49ers Add Israel Abanikanda, Ke'Shawn Vaughn For RB Depth
The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday and also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad, according to a source. In corresponding moves, the Niners officially placed both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve, meaning they'll be out for at least the next four games. CMC has a PCL sprain and will need six weeks to recover, so his season is essentially over unless the Niners make a run to get into the playoffs. Abanikanda didn't play in a single game for the Jets this year but could serve as the team's No. 3 down the stretch behind rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. Vaughn also hasn't seen the field in 2024 after averaging 3.7 yards a carry in four previous seasons with Tampa. They can both stay on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.
The San Francisco 49ers released running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn from their practice squad on Tuesday. He'll be replaced by running back Patrick Taylor Jr., who signed to the Niners' practice squad the same day. Vaughn bounced around with the Buccaneers and Patriots from 2020 through 2023, amassing 384 rushing yards, 81 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns. He had not yet registered a stat with the Niners at the time of his release. Moving forward, the 49ers' running back depth chart will feature Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo, and Taylor (in that order).
The New England Patriots signed undrafted free-agent running back Terrell Jennings and released veteran ball carrier Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Monday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Jennings rushed 120 times for 674 yards and nine touchdowns and caught seven passes for 60 yards in his final season at Florida A&M last year. The 225-pounder isn't on the fantasy radar yet, but he will have a shot to compete for a roster spot this offseason. Vaughn, who was a popular fantasy football sleeper after being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has a bleak future outlook following his release. In 43 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 27-year-old rushed 103 times for 384 yards and two touchdowns. He's unlikely to become a fantasy-relevant back based on what he's produced so far, but he could stick around the NFL as a depth option for another organization.
Patriots Likely Adding Ke'Shawn Vaughn To Practice Squad
The New England Patriots are expected to sign free-agent running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad. With Rachaad White accumulating 108.1 scrimmage yards per game with seven total touchdowns since Week 7, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived the expendable Vaughn on Friday. The Bucs spent a third-round pick on Vaughn in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the tailback never quite made much noise during his Tampa Bay career. The 26-year-old rushed 103 times for 384 yards (3.7 yards per carry) with 14 receptions for 81 yards and three lifetime scores in 43 games. Vaughn is set to serve as backfield depth for the Pats, who let go of Ty Montgomery last week and are currently missing lead back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) to an ankle sprain. Ezekiel Elliott would still handle an every-down role if Stevenson remains out on Christmas Eve against the Denver Broncos.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Friday. The 26-year-old had appeared in just six games this season, never registering more than 30 percent of offensive snaps in a single contest. His 2023 campaign as a Buccaneer ends with just 42 rushing yards and two receiving yards. Even if he latches on with another team, the Vanderbilt product isn't a reliable fantasy option.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn is not at practice on Wednesday due to personal reasons, according to head coach Todd Bowles. It's unclear if he'll return on Thursday as the team prepares for their season opener in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. As of right now, Vaughn is well off the fantasy radar entering the 2023 regular season, as he's currently listed as fourth on the running back depth chart behind starter Rachaad White, rookie Sean Tucker and Chase Edmonds. The 26-year-old former third-rounder has just 79 rushing attempts and 12 catches in his three years with Tampa. There's a pretty good chance Vaughn will be a healthy scratch to kick off the year.
Sean Tucker Wins No. 2 Job Over Chase Edmonds, Ke'Shawn Vaughn
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker will occupy the No. 2 role behind Rachaad White in Week 1, according to JC Allen of Sports Illustrated. The undrafted rookie's rise to prominence has earned him the backup job over Chase Edmonds and Ke'Shawn Vaughn, who will instead round out the bottom of the depth chart. Tucker opens 2023 as a high-end RB5 in redraft leagues and should be rostered in all dynasty formats.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn is competing for a depth role on the 53-man roster. The 26-year-old is a former third-round pick of the team from the 2020 draft. Since being drafted, Vaughn has seen little involvement on the team during his three seasons. On Friday, Vaughn rushed seven times for four yards in the preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Luckily for Vaughn, his competition didn't do much to increase their chances. Rookie back Sean Tucker rushed six times for 10 yards in this game. The expectation is that both backs will see more involvement as the preseason goes on. However, it's unlikely either has much of a role behind Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn Slips Down To Third On Depth Chart
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn is listed as the third running back on the team's first depth chart released Tuesday. The Buccaneers coaching staff said the fourth-year pro began training camp as the primary backup but has seemingly since been passed by veteran Chase Edmonds. Both backs, alongside rookie Sean Tucker, are vying for carries behind starter Rachaad White. Vaughn has yet to impress, tallying just 17 carries for 53 yards in 15 games last season. If White were to be sidelined by an injury, Vaughn might have the opportunity to take on more touches considering Edmonds' role as an undersized, change-of-pace option. The former third-round pick is only worth being drafted in deeper leagues.
Chase Edmonds Challenging Ke'Shawn Vaughn For RB2 Role?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Chase Edmonds and Ke'Shawn Vaughn are competing to be Rachaad White's backup in 2023. The Buccaneers coaching staff said Vaughn began training camp as the primary backup, but Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com reports that Edmonds could be closing the gap on the competition. "Ke'Shawn Vaughn is the current No. 2 running back. But Chase Edmonds is coming on strong in camp," Reynolds wrote. "He's fast and has good burst and acceleration along with some nifty hands as a receiver. The Bucs want to take a long hard look at both Vaughn, who is entering a contract year, and Edmonds in the preseason games." Edmonds struggled last season, rushing 42 times for just 120 yards with the Miami Dolphins before being released. He then signed with the Denver Broncos and racked up 125 yards on 26 carries. His best days were in Arizona as an explosive rusher and receiver, so he could be on the fantasy radar if he can return to form and beat out Vaughn before the regular season begins.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn
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49ers
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