The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense is facing a litany of injuries and other issues, especially at the wide receiver position. Tom Brady desperately needs as many able-bodied playmakers at his disposal as possible, given the team’s depleted cast. That said, is Leonard Fournette playing today? Or is the talented running back, who is suffering from a hamstring injury, unable to take the field against the Green Bay Packers?
Update: Leonard Fournette is active for the Buccaneers’ Week 3 matchup.
Is Leonard Fournette playing today against the Packers?
Fournette is currently listed as “questionable” on Tampa Bay’s Week 3 injury report. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles expressed optimism about Fournette’s availability for the team’s matchup against the Packers. Addressing whether he’s concerned about Fournette’s hamstring, Bowles responded, “[no], he’s been fine.”
Fournette has been battling a hamstring injury for multiple weeks now, and despite being listed as questionable heading into the team’s Week 2 contest against the New Orleans Saints, the veteran RB was able to suit up. In fact, he played a whopping 87% of Tampa Bay’s offensive snaps and carried the ball 24 times. That said, Fournette only managed 2.71 yards per carry on those 24 attempts. He tacked on two receptions on four targets for an additional nine yards.
Fournette’s ability to shoulder a massive workload despite being listed as questionable in Week 2 bodes well for his status heading into this week’s matchup with the Packers. His meager production, however, suggests that it’s possible Fournette is operating at less than full strength. Then again, New Orleans’ sturdy defensive front combined with Tampa Bay’s injury-depleted offensive line could just as easily explain his lack of efficiency on the ground.
Fantasy implications of Fournette’s injury
Addressing Fournette’s substantial workload, Bowles told reporters, “we want to get the other running backs some more plays in there, but when Lenny gets going you’ve got to feed him while he’s hot. That’s kind of how the first two games have been.”
Saying Fournette was “hot” in Week 2 might be a tad overzealous on Bowles’ part, given the former’s measly yards-per-carry mark. The point is well taken, though. When Fournette is productive, he’s going to get the ball. Tom Brady trusts him, the coaching staff trusts him, and Fournette has proven time and time again during his tenure in Tampa Bay that he’s earned that trust.
It must be noted, though, that a 27-year-old running back taking on 25 or more touches each week while battling a soft tissue injury will have a hard time making it through an entire grueling season without support from depth options at the position. Should Fournette miss any time, or should the team choose to be more cautious with his workload going forward, rookie third-round pick Rachaad White is likely the next man up.
White, a back who displayed excellent pass-catching chops in college and who impressed in training camp, is listed second at the position on the team’s depth chart and would become an immediate must-start fantasy option if he ever took over the starting role. In the meantime, he should be monitored closely by fantasy football managers with Fournette on their rosters and is one of the league’s highest-upside handcuffs.
Third-year running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn is unlikely to provide much value in 10- or 12- team leagues unless injuries befall both Fournette and White. Vaughn is the only other running back currently only the active roster now that Giovani Bernard (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve.