Panthers TE Gary Barnidge appears to have wrested the s...

The Buccaneers could ride the hot hand at running back Sunday against the Cardinals.

Bucky Irving could be on a pitch count Sunday, but Fowler reports the Buccaneers believe they need to score a win this week, with the team having lost three straight and only sitting a half-game ahead of the Panthers in the NFC South. Sean Tucker (12 rushes, 44 yards last week vs. Rams) and Rachaad White (7-38) have been splitting the work in Irving’s absence, but it sounds like the Bucs may be in a bit of desperation mode. It’s turning into division or bust for the Bucs. The 8-4 49ers hold the last playoff spot entering Sunday.

Chargers ruled out RB Omarion Hampton for Sunday’s game vs the Raiders. Hampton hasn’t played since fracturing his ankle in week 5.

“It was a good week,” Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh told reporters today. “Really beneficial, ramping up. Everything’s on track to return, not this week.”

Related Players: Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson

Vidal should take lead back duties once again, but he doesn't likely have the talent to overcome the issues along the Chargers offensive line. Consider him a high-end RB3, even in what should be a great matchup.

Todd Bowles on Bucky Irving’s usage Sunday: "We'll put him in. Once he gets in, we'll see how he is rolling, and then between him, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, we'll kind of go with the hot hand."

We'd like to say Bucky Irving will return to his typical 25-opportunity upside, but it was mentioned that he may be eased in, as the team did with Chris Godwin. If that's the case, he's closer to a low-end RB2 than a locked-in RB1 like we came into the season hoping. Tucker and White are more desperation-FLEX options.