Getty Ke'Shawn Vaughn
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a roster move two days ahead of their Week 15 game against the Green Bay Packers, releasing fourth-year running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, per the team.
We have waived RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
As noted by Greg Auman of Fox Sports on Friday, December 15, the 26-year-old “had been a healthy scratch, inactive as fourth back for last two months.”
The release of Vaughn was not met with a direct corresponding move, per Auman.
“Bucs didn’t announce a corresponding move in cutting Vaughn, but it’s probable they will sign DL Deadrin Senat to the active roster,” Auman wrote.
Tampa will continue to lean heavily on starter Rachaad White against Green Bay’s defense, which allows 141.8 rushing yards per game, second-most in the NFL. Heavy’s projections powered by Quarter4 give the Bucs, who are 4.5-point underdogs, a 35% win probability on Sunday.
Currently tied with the Falcons at 6-7 atop the NFC South, a win over the Packers would give Tampa its third consecutive victory, with two of their last three regular season games scheduled against divisional opponents.
Why the Buccaneers Released RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Vaughn was originally drafted in the third round (No. 76 overall) of the 2020 NFL draft by the Buccaneers and played in 43 games during his four seasons with Tampa Bay.
However, his playing time has seen a major dip over the past couple of seasons, with this season being a new low point. Vaughn appeared in 15 games in 2022, but he’s been a healthy scratch over the past couple of months, being listed as inactive as the fourth back over the last two months. He’s appeared in just six games this season.
Vaughn last appeared in a game during the Buccaneers’ Week 9 loss to the Houston Texans. He had posted just 24 carries for 42 rushing yards (1.8 yards per carry) with 2 receptions for 2 receiving yards.
Vaughn’s lack of usage this season directly correlates with Chase Edmonds and rookie Sean Tucker being ahead of him on the depth chart.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn Played Vital Role on Special Teams During Bucs Tenure
Vaugh played a bit role during his rookie season, appearing in 15% of the offensive snaps while posting 26 carries for 109 rushing yards and 5 catches for 34 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.
His touches saw a slight increase during the 2021 season, although his offensive snaps (13%) remained about the same. Vaughn posted 36 carries for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 receptions for 26 receiving yards. He also appeared in 49% of the special teams snaps, a major increase from the 13% of special teams snaps he saw during his rookie season.
However, his 2022 season established a low for Vaughn when it comes to offensive usage. He only appeared in 37 offensive snaps all season long (3% of the snaps). He posted just 17 carries for 53 rushing yards while chipping in 3 receptions for 19 receiving yards.
With that being said, he remained a vital part of special teams, appearing in 46% of the team’s snaps.
The big difference this season is that Vaughn was taken out of the equation as a contributor on special teams, appearing in just 14% of the special teams snaps.
During his four seasons in Tampa Bay, Vaughn holds career totals of 103 carries for 384 rushing yards with 2 touchdowns and 14 receptions for 81 receiving yards with 1 receiving touchdown.
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Buccaneers Release Veteran Running Back Before Packers Game