Will the Buccaneers Pickup Recently Released Los Angeles Rams Running Back?

RB Darrell Henderson was recently waived by the Los Angeles Rams and the Buccaneers seem to need help at the position. Should they pursue?

Author:
Caleb Skinner
Publish date:
Nov 22, 2023 12:05 PM EST

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rushing game isn't just perhaps one of the worst in the NFL, but it is indeed the league's worst rushing attack. Currently through 10 games, the Bucs' running game ranks dead last in yards per game (76.9) and yards per rush attempt (3.1).

Offensive coordinator Dave Canales has not abandoned the run completely as he tries to keep defenses honest, but as the season progresses that will continue to become more difficult. Much of the heavy workload in the running game has been placed on second-year back Rachaad White - without much help from anyone else on the depth chart.

White's strong suit is getting outside or in space and letting him do his magic in one-on-one situations. With a lack of help from the offensive line it has also been tough to run between the tackles.

So yeah, it has been tough for the Buccaneers.

With that said, and not getting much out of backup running backs Chase Edmonds, Sean Tucker, or Ke'Shawn Vaughn, should the Buccaneers look to the waiver wire and look to at least try and bolster the room?

It would make sense, but it would need to be the right fit.

Insert recently waiver cut Los Angeles Rams' veteran Darrell Henderson.

Henderson is not the biggest back that you would expect to run between the tackles, but he is a downhill runner who runs with authority that would seemingly be a decent complimentary piece to what White provides out of the backfield.

Henderson has spent the last five seasons in and out of the lineup with the Los Angeles Rams and was recently released on Monday with the return of Kyren Williams imminent. Over his career, Henderson has averaged 4.2 ypc over 442 carries for 1,854 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The stats and eye test may not pop off the screen, but being able to get some help for White in the backfield seems like a smart decision and Henderson appears likely to compliment him well with a one-two punch.

If the Buccaneers do decide to go this direction it would likely mean that either Tucker or Vaughn would be the odd man out leaving Edmonds as a change-of-pace option as the third man on the depth chart.