Bruce Arians Talks About RB Situation heading into Week 18

The Buccaneers will be without running backs Ronald Jones, Giovani Bernard, and Leonard Fournette this week versus the Carolina Panthers. The good news is that Leonard Fournette should be ready to return for the playoffs. As for Ronald Jones, his return will rely on his ability to make cuts.

“I’m pretty sure ‘Lenny’ will be ready to go, but we’ll have to wait and see about RoJo’s ankle. He can run straight, but he still can’t cut.”

Buccaneers running back Giovani Bernard was placed on Injured Reserve following a hip injury he sustained during the win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. He was recently sighted at practice on Thursday but was working with trainers on the sideline. There was some hope that he may be ready to return versus the Panthers this week, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards for the veteran running back.

Filling in for the injured running backs will be Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Le’Veon Bell, and Kenjon Barner. Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians is anxious to see what they can do this week against the Panthers at home.

“Ke’Shawn, Le’Veon, and Kenjon are all ready to go and had a good week at practice. Anxious to see what they can do.”

The Bucs take on the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium for the 2021 season finale, and with a win, the team will set a franchise record for the most wins in a single season (13).