Bucs coach basically just told fantasy football players to avoid Bucky Irving

Fantasy football players are always on the lookout for the latest news coming out of NFL training camps, and when Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson hinted at an even split in the team’s backfield for the upcoming 2026 season, many fantasy football enthusiasts took notice. This news has sparked a debate among fantasy football players on whether or not they should avoid the Buccaneers’ backfield entirely in their upcoming drafts.

The Buccaneers have been known for having a crowded backfield in recent years, with multiple running backs vying for playing time. In 2025, the team had a trio of running backs in Ronald Jones II, Leonard Fournette, and Giovani Bernard, each of whom had their moments throughout the season. However, with Robinson’s recent comments about an even split in the backfield for the upcoming season, fantasy football players are left wondering how to approach the situation.

On one hand, an even split in playing time could mean that none of the running backs on the Buccaneers roster will have enough opportunities to be fantasy-relevant. Fantasy football is all about volume, and if the workload is evenly distributed among multiple players, it could be challenging for any one of them to put up consistent fantasy numbers. This could be frustrating for fantasy football players who are looking for a reliable starting running back to anchor their lineup.

On the other hand, an even split in the backfield could also mean that the Buccaneers are looking to utilize a committee approach to maximize the talents of all their running backs. In today’s NFL, many teams have adopted a committee backfield strategy, where multiple running backs are used in different situations to keep defenses off balance. This approach can be successful for NFL teams, but it can also be frustrating for fantasy football players who are trying to predict which running back will have a big game each week.

One of the running backs in Tampa Bay’s backfield who could benefit from an even split in playing time is Ronald Jones II. Jones has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, but has often been overshadowed by other backs on the roster. With an even split in the backfield, Jones could have more opportunities to showcase his skills and potentially emerge as the lead back for the Buccaneers. Fantasy football players who believe in Jones’ talent could see this as an opportunity to draft him as a sleeper pick with high upside.

Leonard Fournette is another running back on the Buccaneers roster who could benefit from an even split in the backfield. Fournette had a breakout season in 2025, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the backfield situation in Tampa Bay, fantasy football players may be hesitant to draft Fournette as a starting running back. Fournette’s value could take a hit if he is not receiving the same volume of touches as he did in the previous season.

Giovani Bernard is the third running back in the Buccaneers’ backfield who could be affected by an even split in playing time. Bernard is known for his pass-catching ability out of the backfield, and he could see an increase in targets if the Buccaneers decide to utilize a committee approach. Fantasy football players in PPR leagues could view Bernard as a valuable late-round pick who could provide consistent production as a receiving back.

In addition to the running backs on the roster, the Buccaneers also have a talented group of wide receivers and tight ends who could see an increase in targets if the backfield situation remains uncertain. Wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown, along with tight end Rob Gronkowski, are all key pieces of the Buccaneers’ passing attack and could benefit from an even split in the backfield. Fantasy football players may choose to target these players in their drafts as reliable options in the passing game.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to avoid the Buccaneers’ backfield in fantasy football drafts will come down to personal preference and risk tolerance. Some fantasy football players may view the even split in the backfield as an opportunity to draft multiple players from the Buccaneers’ offense and diversify their lineup. Others may see the situation as too uncertain and choose to avoid drafting any players from the backfield altogether.

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, fantasy football players will continue to monitor the situation in Tampa Bay and adjust their draft strategies accordingly. Whether the Buccaneers ultimately stick to an even split in the backfield or one running back emerges as the lead back, fantasy football players will need to stay flexible and be prepared to make adjustments throughout the season. The uncertainty surrounding the Buccaneers’ backfield may be a cause for concern for some fantasy football players, but it could also present an opportunity for savvy drafters to find value in a potentially explosive offense.

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Source: Sporting News