Buccaneers make key decision on former LSU star
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed running back Leonard Fournette on injured reserve, the team reported Thursday. Inside linebacker Lavonte David was also placed on injured reserve.
Fournette suffered a hamstring injury in Week 15, while David hurt his foot. The team is hopeful that both players will return for the playoffs.
After splitting carries most of last season, Fournette took over as the Buccaneers’ lead back in 2021. He has played in 14 games, totaling 812 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 180 carries. He has also been a threat in the receiving game, with 69 catches for 454 yards.
David has seen action in 12 games so far, compiling 97 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and three pass breakups. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2015.
In addition to placing Leonard Fournette on injured reserve, Tampa Bay also announced that receiver Jaelon Darden and defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches have been placed on the COVID-19 reserves list.
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The Buccaneers are preparing to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 16 with plenty on the line. At 10-4, Tampa Bay currently sits as the third seed in the NFC behind Green Bay (11-3) and Dallas (10-4). Should the Bucs beat the Panthers, they would officially clinch the NFC South division.
Without Fournette and David, that could be easier said than done. They’re also not the only key players on the injury report. Star receiver Mike Evans left last week’s contest with a hamstring injury and did not return. He has so far been unable to practice leading up to Week 16.
Tom Brady did not practice Wednesday due to a non-injury related reason.
Leonard Fournette will be out for the remainder of the regular season, as players placed on injured reserve are required to miss at least three weeks. Although Tampa Bay has not officially clinched a playoff spot, it seems likely that will happen within the next few weeks.
Knowing this, placing Leonard Fournette and Lavonte David on injured reserve is likely only to ensure they are 100% ready come postseason time.