The Pewter Plank
FanSided

3 Buccaneers with who are trending downward

By Cory Kinnan

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 30: Leonard Floyd #94 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Buccaneers 48-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 30: Leonard Floyd #94 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Buccaneers 48-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Running back Andre Ellington #38 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Running back Andre Ellington #38 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

RB Andre Ellington

The Buccaneers’ first signing of the offseason was that of veteran running back Andre Ellington, who has plenty of experience playing with new head coach Bruce Arians as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. After sitting out of the league completely last season, Ellington in back in the NFL with the Buccaneers and looking for a chance to make the final 53-man roster.

More from The Pewter Plank

After a strong start to camp featuring Ellington catching passes out of the backfield for the Buccaneers, the veteran has seen his role dwindle and has not necessarily taken advantage of the reps he has gotten. Third year back Dare Ogunbowale has seemingly taken over the role of the third down back for the Buccaneers, displacing Ellington from his niche within the offense.

When he does take the field, Ellington’s production looks like a player who has not played football in a year. Throughout the first two weeks of the preseason, Ellington has managed to tally just 24 yards ruching on 10 carries for the Buccaneers, adding another 20 yards on five additional catches.

Averaging less than three yards per touch of the football is not a great way to impress a coaching staff that is looking for a third down back. At the age of 30, Ellington could be looking his last chance in the face as the shelf life of running backs is so short.

Home/Bucs News