This answer surprised Joe because most running backs have an unwavering attitude that goes something like “give me the damn ball all the time and put the team on my back.”

Today after practice, Bucs No. 1 running back Rachaad White was asked if he’d be better in fourth quarters “if you’re not dragging the whole run game on your back.”

White ranked second in touches among running backs last season behind Christian McCaffrey. It was a big load but not some form of historic overuse. He had 272 carries and 64 receptions in the regular season.

“It would help out a lot,” White said of other running backs taking some of his workoad. “I be out here [at practice] sometimes and I feel like I’m dragging.”

White jokes about getting old after the 379 touches last season (including playoffs) but he was clear that rookie Bucky Irving and veteran Chase Edmonds spelling him in games would be critical. He also said his big goals for big stats probably require 300-plus touches, though rest and body maintenance are very important.

Man, Joe had to take pause.

White does a lot of interviews and speaks freely with media. So after listening to so much White chatter the past two years, Joe thinks there’s a kernel of truth to White saying today that he sometimes feels like last year took a toll on his body.

That’s a scary proposition for Bucs fans. Tampa Bay is not deep at running back and White was a below-average runner last season with fresher, younger legs.

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