Arians: Leonard Fournette good to go for Sunday, will resume previous role for Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will welcome back running back Leonard Fournette after a three-week absence due to an ankle injury. Head coach Bruce Arians told the media Fournette is good to go and will “reassume his role,” per Scott Smith.

Fournette was active in Week 5 but appeared to play only a single snap late in the first half. Otherwise, he has not played since injured his ankle in Week 3. He was a last minute deactivation last week after reports he would be active. He got in full work this week, so there is no reason to expect a last minute deactivation.

It’s not entirely clear what this will mean for Ronald Jones, who has played his best football since Fournette got hurt. In three games with Fournette playing, Jones had 37 carries for 142 yards and three touchdowns, along with six receptions for 40 yards. In three games with Fournette sidelined, Jones had 60 carries for 330 yards and two touchdowns, with 11 receptions for 44 yards, In his three games with significant snaps, Fournette had 24 rushes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, along with seven receptions for 34 yards.

Fournette’s return will impact Jones’ fantasy stock, but how much is unclear. It’s also worth noting there is some uncertainty around Bucs-Raiders due to multiple positive Covid-19 tests for Las Vegas earlier this week.