3 positions the Buccaneers must still upgrade after cutdowns

TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns a kick during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns a kick during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 9: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball past the out stretch arms of Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 9: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball past the out stretch arms of Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Running back

The Buccaneers kept three running backs on their roster after the final cutdowns in Ronald Jones, Peyton Barber, and Dare Ogunbowale. This left an Arians favorite out to dry in Andre Ellington as he did not make the final roster in Tampa Bay.

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Jones and Barber are set to spearhead the rushing attack for a second straight year for the Buccaneers after averaging less than four yards per carry together a year ago. Third year back out of Wisconsin, Ogunbowale is now set to be the pass catching back out of the backfield for the Buccaneers after a strong preseason.

Ogunbowale has only contributed sparingly as a special teamer in his career to this point, Jones is coming off of a terrible rookie year where he saw less than 30 carries for less than 50 yards and just one score, and Barber led the Buccaneers in rushing while averaging less than four yards per carry. Due to the lack of production and experience currently on the roster in Tampa Bay, Arians and general manager Jason Licht should look to add a veteran running back who could contribute to the team.

Teams will continue to add players as they are cut from other teams, and the Bucs should take a look at any running back that hits the waiver wire.

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