The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have played their last four games without the explosive run game of Leonard Fournette. However, there is a chance that he could play in their Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday afternoon.
According to ESPN's Jenna Laine, Fournette jogged and participated in agility work during the portion of the Buccaneers' Thursday practice that was open to the media. She said during Get Up ESPN Saturday morning that the main thing missing from what she saw in Fournette's practice was him “running full speed.”
The running back must be able to run full speed in order to be activated from Injured Reserve.
“That's the reason why he wasn't activated off IR last week, according to coach Bruce Arians…until he can reach top speed, he won't be out there playing.” Laine reported Friday morning. She added that he tried to do it before the Buccaneers' Wild Card Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but “felt something that just wasn't quite right” in his hamstring.
Fortunately for Tampa Bay, they still have a little bit of time before making a decision on the star running backs' game day availability. Laine noted that the Buccaneers have until 4:00 p.m. Saturday to take him off of Injured Reserve in order for Fournette to be eligible for Sunday against the Rams.