Rachaad White returned 11 kicks as a rookie and wasn’t very good at it.
Per the Buccaneers’ 2024 opening day depth chart released today, rookie running back Bucky Irving will return kicks. Depth charts aren’t the most reliable, but Joe texted someone in the know who responded, “That’s the plan.” Irving is listed as a co-returner with fellow RB Sean Tucker.
The new kickoff rules in place should make kickoffs more of a run play than under the prior kickoff setup.
Irving makes quick decisions and is explosive, and Todd Bowles repeatedly has said Irving has displayed what he did in college: the ability to make the first defender mix.
In preseason depth charts, second-year receiver Trey Palmer was listed as a kick returner. He’s listed as the No. 1 punt returner and undrafted rookie Kameron Johnson is listed as a backup at both positions.
