Buccaneers vs. Dolphins: 5 standout performers in week two matchup

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 16: Dare Ogunbowale #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs during the first half of a preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

RB Dare Ogunbowale

It has not been a well kept secret that neither Ronald Jones nor Peyton Barber are particularly adept at catching passes out of the backfield. That is why the Buccaneers brought in running back Andre Ellington this offseason, however another running back currently on the roster may beat the veteran out for the third down back job.

Dare Ogunbowale continues to thrive as a receiving back out of the backfield for the backfield as he finished the game against the Dolphins last night with three catches for 54 receiving yards, including a catch and run of 41 yards. Ogunbowale, while his yards per carry remain relatively low running behind backup offensive lineman, also leads the Buccaneers in rushing this preseason as well.

Younger than Ellington, Ogunbowale has now played himself firmly in the conversation to win the third down back role for the Buccaneers and it would not be shocking in the least bit to see him win it. Ogunbowale is in his third year out of the University of Wisconsin where he ran behind Melvin Gordon.

Expect Ogunbowale to continue to get the bulk of carries moving forward for the Buccaneers as undrafted rookie Bruce Anderson continues to struggle and as Jones and Barber rest with the starters. If he continues to thrive like he did last night and has in practice, count on Ogunbowale to make the final roster.

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