Buccaneers Running Back Likely Headed to Injured Reserve After Knee Injury

Not great for the Buccaneers' depth at the running back position.

Buccaneers backup running back Chase Edmonds played 3 snaps on Sunday in the Bucs win over the Bears but he exited the game early and will now miss some time due to an injured MCL.

NFL Network's Ian Rapport reported early Monday that Edmonds was getting an MRI to confirm the injury.

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys Release Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl Champion Running Back

#Bucs RB Chase Edmonds, who exited yesterday's win because of a knee injury, is getting an MRI today, source said. The focus of tests is Edmonds' MCL.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2023

Jordan Shultz followed up that report with a confirmation that Edmonds will be out for 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 MCL sprain. He will likely go on short-term IR.

Sources: #Buccaneers RB Chase Edmonds has a Grade 2 MCL sprain on his knee and will be out 4-6 weeks.

Edmonds is likely to go on short-term IR. The injury occurred during Tampa’s win over the #Bears. pic.twitter.com/x9yveDk1lv

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 18, 2023

Edmonds has been backing up Rachaad White this season, he signed a 1-year/$1.2 million deal this off-season with Tampa Bay. He played 8 snaps against the Vikings and had 4 rushing attempts for 20 yards in his two regular season appearances.

READ MORE: Buccaneers Could Pursue Free Agent Pro Bowl Running Back

Undrafted free agent Sean Tucker won the RB2 role in the pre-season and will likely see an uptick in his playing time with Edmonds missing an extended period of time. 

Ke’Shawn Vaughn has been inactive for the Bucs' first two games and could see the field as well.

If Edmonds is going to miss an extended period of time the #GoBucs could look to utilize Ke’Shawn Vaughn who is currently in the dog house and has been inactive the first two games of the season.

They could also look towards agency where Kareem Hunt is still available as well… https://t.co/XkwFeBzvPN

— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) September 18, 2023

If the Buccaneers wanted to look outside of the building Kareem Hunt is currently a free agent and has experience with Bucs starting QB Baker Mayfield. 

READ MORE: Bucs' Linebacker Devin White Regrets Trade Request: "I'm Stupid For Trying to Leave!"

The Los Angeles Rams have also made former-round pick Cam Akers available on the trade market and he could make sense as a trade target if the Bucs feel a move like that is necessary.

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage, news and analysis throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook