KE'SHAWN VAUGHN NEWS

Logs two snaps Week 17 Vaughn was limited to two snaps from scrimmage during the Buccaneers' 30-24 win over the Panthers in Week 17.

Impact The third-year back logged another 12 on special teams, which continue to be his primary ticket to active status. Vaughn did carry once for six yards versus the Cardinals in Week 16, but with the team's running back corps at full health, meaningful playing time is essentially an impossibility. That said, the upcoming Week 18 finale against the Falcons could very well be a rare exception, as the Buccaneers are expected to eventually give plenty of backups playing time with the team locked into its playoff positioning.

JANUARY 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limited to special teams in win Vaughn logged 12 special-teams snaps but none on offense during the Buccaneers' 17-16 win over the Saints on Monday night.

Impact The reserve running back was relegated to a non-existent role on offense with Leonard Fournette returning from his hip injury. Vaughn had logged eight carries and drawn a pair of targets over the previous three games, but Fournette and Rachaad White were the only Buccaneers backs to record any touches Monday night.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Logs four carries in loss Vaughn rushed four times for 15 yards in the Buccaneers' 23-17 overtime loss to the Browns on Sunday.

Impact Vaughn logged four touches over nine snaps from scrimmage with Leonard Fournette (hip) inactive. The third-year back could work as the No. 2 early down back again in Week 13 against the Saints if Fournette sits out again, but it seems clear the Buccaneers are committed to Rachaad White as their likely lead back moving forward.

NOVEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sees action from scrimmage again Vaughn rushed twice for two yards and brought in his only target for 11 yards in the Buccaneers' 21-16 win over the Seahawks on Sunday.

Impact Vaughn saw plenty of action considering he logged only five snaps from scrimmage, with Leonard Fournette's early exit due to a hip pointer opening some opportunity for the third-year back. If Fournette can't get healthy over the Buccaneers' Week 11 bye, Vaughn presumably would settle into the No. 2 role behind Rachaad White for a Week 12 road matchup against the Browns.

NOVEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cameo appearance in Week 9 win Vaughn rushed twice for four yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Buccaneers' 16-13 win over the Rams on Sunday.

Impact Logging his first three offensive snaps of the season, Vaughn recorded his first carries since the wild-card win over the Eagles in January. Vaughn has remained a fixture on special teams since Week 3, and he projects to continue filling the smallest of roles on offense as long as Leonard Fournette and Rachaad White are healthy in front of him.

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch Sunday Vaughn (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Saints.

Impact Vaughn will sit in favor of the veteran Giovani Bernard once again. The former will continue to work to earn a chance to suit up in Week 3 against the Packers.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Efficient on ground in loss Vaughn rushed 10 times for 54 yards in the Buccaneers' 13-3 preseason loss to the Titans on Saturday night.

Impact Vaughn had scored a touchdown in the Buccaneers' preseason-opening loss to the Dolphins but gained just 19 yards on 10 rushes, so Saturday night's performance was much more efficient. The third-year back is facing stiff competition from rookie Rachaad White, and their battle for the No. 2 running back job appears headed for a culmination in next Saturday night's road exhibition finale versus the Colts.

AUGUST 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Logs 12 touches in opener Vaughn rushed 10 times for 19 yards and a touchdown and brought in both targets for 22 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Impact Vaughn was the second running back in for the Buccaneers behind Giovani Bernard, and although he accomplished next to nothing on the ground, he did power into the end zone from one yard out with 6:34 remaining in the second quarter. Vaughn did have some success as a receiver, but he didn't keep up on per-touch production with his primary competitor for the No. 2 running back job, Rachaad White. The battle between Vaughn and White will be one to watch through the remainder of the summer and will feature its next installment in next Saturday night's road matchup against the Titans.

AUGUST 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Impresses in Thursday's practice Vaughn ripped off a long run up the right sideline in Thursday's joint practice with the Dolphins, Andrew Crane of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact The third-year back was part of a successful session for the Buccaneers' ground game against the Dolphins defense, with Vaughn's run described by Crane as a would-be touchdown had it happened in a game setting. Vaughn picked up some valuable experience late last season, including in the wild-card loss to the Eagles, but rookie Rachaad White has also impressed during camp as the two battle to serve as the primary complement to lead back Leonard Fournette.

AUGUST 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Uptick in opportunity Vaughn currently slots in as the Buccaneers' No. 2 running back with the recent departure of Ronald Jones in free agency, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Impact Vaughn saw a slight uptick in involvement over that of his rookie 2020 campaign last season, rushing for 180 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries and adding four receptions for 26 yards. The Vanderbilt product then played a sizable role in the wild-card win over the Eagles, carrying 17 times for 53 yards and a touchdown while also recording a pair of receptions. Looking ahead to 2022, it appears we're on the verge of finding out if Vaughn's two-season, low-volume apprenticeship has laid the proper groundwork for what should be a clear-cut No. 2 role behind Leonard Fournette, barring an unforeseen draft pick or free-agent signing disrupting that plan.

MARCH 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Season ends quietly Vaughn logged only two special-teams snaps during the Buccaneers' 30-27 divisional-round loss to the Rams on Sunday. He finished the 2021 regular season with 36 carries for 180 yar...

Impact The second-year back finished up his season the same way he began it back in September, as a complete non-factor on offense. Vaughn didn't see his first carries until Week 7 against the Bears, and he only logged another three between that game and Week 15, when multiple injuries struck the Buccaneers backfield. He performed well from that point forward, averaging 5.3 yards per rush on his 28 carries over the final four games of the regular season while adding a pair of rushing touchdowns and his four catches. The Vanderbilt product then played a significant role in the wild-card win over the Eagles, pacing the backfield with 17 carries and also recording a pair of grabs with Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette both unavailable. Neither of his backfield mates is guaranteed to be back in 2022, meaning that Vaughn's late-season taste of extended action could prove to have been an on-field audition for a much larger role next season.

JANUARY 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Added competition for carries Vaughn's teammate, Leonard Fournette (hamstring), has been activated off IR by the Buccaneers, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Impact The looming return of Fournette for his first game action since Week 15 bolsters Tampa Bay's backfield ahead of Sunday's divisional-round game against the Rams, with Ronald Jones (ankle) still out. In the team's wild-card win over the Eagles last weekend, Vaughn led the way with 17 carries, adding a pair of catches, while Giovani Bernard logged 13 rushes and five catches. As long as Fournette avoids any setbacks with his hamstring issue, however, both Vaughn and Bernard figure to see decreased volume versus Los Angeles, making them speculative fantasy lineup options.

JANUARY 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Chiefs, Bucs, 49ers flex their muscles on wild-card Sunday

The Buccaneers, 49ers and Chiefs made big statements in their victories Sunday. Bucky Brooks offers his wild-card takeaways.

JANUARY 17, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

Serves as lead back Sunday Vaughn rushed 17 times for 53 yards and a touchdown and brought in both his targets for nine yards during the Buccaneers' 31-15 win over the Eagles in an NFC wild-card matchup Sund...

Impact After logging all of five carries during last year's Super Bowl title run, Vaughn took on lead-back duties Sunday with Leonard Fournette (hamstring) and Ronald Jones (ankle) both out of action. The second-year back performed well with the extra workload and paid off for those rolling with him in fantasy playoff leagues and contests with a one-yard touchdown run just before the end of the first quarter. Vaughn has proven capable of handling a robust workload over the last several games due to the depleted state of the Buccaneers' backfield, but he could see a reduction in volume as soon as next weekend's divisional round if at least one of Fournette or Jones is back in action.

JANUARY 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Set for bigger role Sunday Vaughn may share running back reps with Giovani Bernard (hip/knee) during Sunday's wild-card contest against the Eagles after the Buccaneers activated the latter from injured reser...

Impact Tampa Bay already ruled out Ronald Jones (ankle) for its postseason opener, and the team opted not to activate Leonard Fournette (hamstring) from IR on Saturday, meaning its top two options out of the backfield are unavailable. With Bernard back in the fold, he'll serve in at least a change-of-pace role, but Vaughn could be the preferred option on early downs, while Le'Veon Bell also is on hand. In 12 appearances this season, Vaughn racked up 36 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns and also gathered in four of eight targets for 26 yards.

JANUARY 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Inefficient with extra opportunity Vaughn rushed 10 times for 29 yards and a touchdown and brought in both targets for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 41-17 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Impact Vaughn took on lead-back duties with Ronald Jones (ankle) sidelined and logged double-digit carries, but he wasn't able to do much on a yards-per-carry basis. However, his two-yard scoring run early in the third quarter salvaged his day somewhat from a fantasy perspective, and he finished the season with two scores over the last three games. The health of both Jones and Leonard Fournette (IR-hamstring) will certainly be the subject of plenty of scrutiny this coming week leading up to Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Eagles, and if at least one of the two remains on the shelf, Vaughn would presumably be in line for at least a complementary role in the contest.

JANUARY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

More snaps on tap for Week 18 Vaughn and Le'Veon Bell will be the Buccaneers' main running backs Sunday against the Panthers with Ronald Jones (ankle) ruled out and Leonard Fournette (hamstring) and Giovani Ber...

Impact After Fournette hit IR following a Week 15 loss to the Saints due to a hamstring strain, Jones stepped in as the No. 1 RB the past two contests, but he sustained an ankle injury this past Sunday at the Jets. As a result, Vaughn has earned the bulk of his touches on the season over the last three games, racking up 18 carries for 120 yards, two catches (on six targets) for 14 yards and one rushing TD. Bell also mixed in Weeks 16 and 17, with eight touches for 34 yards from scrimmage. The likely outcome is Vaughn serving as the early down option for the Bucs, with Bell and potentially practice squad member Kenjon Barner serving as complementary pieces.

JANUARY 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Logs full practice Wednesday Vaughn (ribs) practiced fully Wednesday.

Impact At the same time Bruce Arians called Vaughn "fine" earlier Wednesday, the coach mentioned the Bucs' current No. 1 running back Ronald Jones was donning a walking boot and wouldn't practice, per Scott Smith of the team's official site. Tampa Bay will wait until Thursday or Friday to see if Jones can run on his injured ankle, at which point a decision may be made on his availability for Week 18. With Leonard Fournette (hamstring) and Giovani Bernard (hip) still on injured reserve, Vaughn and Le'Veon Bell are the only healthy running backs on the active roster at the moment. Vaughn has received more run than normal over the last three contests due to all the injuries in the backfield, averaging 6.7 yards on his 18 carries, reeling in two of six passes for 14 yards and scoring one touchdown.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Practicing Wednesday Vaughn (ribs) was spotted participating in the early portion of Wednesday's practice, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Impact Vaughn suffered a rib injury during Sunday's win over the Jets, so it's encouraging to see him handling reps to begin Week 18 prep. Later Wednesday, the Buccaneers will release their first official Week 18 injury report, which will reveal whether he was a limited or a full participant. Meanwhile, Ronald Jones (ankle) wasn't present for the early portion of practice.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with bruised ribs Coach Bruce Arians said Monday that Vaughn is dealing with bruised ribs following Sunday's win over the Jets, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact Vaughn finished Sunday's contest with eight rushes for 31 yards while hauling in two of three targets for 14 yards. Arians said that the 24-year-old "might" be able to play in Sunday's Week 18 tilt against the Panthers, and he could see increased playing time if Ronald Jones (ankle) is unavailable.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Solid role in win Vaughn rushed eight times for 31 yards and brought in two of three targets for 14 yards in the Buccaneers' 28-24 win over the Jets on Sunday.

Impact Vaughn checked in second to Ronald Jones in carries, with the latter exiting the game early due to an ankle issue. The second-year back now has 15 carries over the last two games, and even though Scott Smith of the team's official site reports Vaughn suffered a rib injury himself during the contest, he's likely to see another solid workload if he suits up Week 18 against the Panthers if the Buccaneers opt to play it safe with Jones ahead of the postseason.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Bucs' Ke'Shawn Vaughn is in it for the long run The second-year running back ripped off a 55-yard TD run at Carolina on Sunday, a play that may have finally jump-started his NFL career.

DECEMBER 28, 2021 • TAMPABAY.COM

Flashes with extended opportunity Vaughn rushed seven times for 70 yards and a touchdown and failed to bring in his only target during the Buccaneers' 32-6 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Impact Operating as the primary backup to interim lead back Ronald Jones, Vaughn made good use of his opportunity with the help of a 55-yard touchdown up the left sideline in the first quarter, Tampa Bay's first score of the game. The second-year back had just 11 carries on the campaign coming into the contest, but he should continue to serve in a solid complementary role in a Week 17 road matchup with the Jets.

DECEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Three carries in loss Vaughn rushed three times for 19 yards and failed to bring in either of his two targets in the Buccaneers' 9-0 loss to the Saints on Sunday night.

Impact Vaughn, who was primarily active Sunday night due to Giovani Bernard's (hip/knee) placement on injured reserve earlier in the week, was called into action when Leonard Fournette exited early with a hamstring injury. While Vaughn's role was still modest (19 snaps), that may not be the case in coming weeks, considering Fournette could miss at least the Week 16 contest versus the Panthers, at minimum. In such a scenario, Ronald Jones still projects to helm the Bucs backfield, but Vaughn could be a key complementary option.

DECEMBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE