Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones will not play in the team's Saturday matchup against the Detroit Lions after undergoing surgery on his pinky.

Jones had a pin placed in his pinky, rendering his status uncertain going forward. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported he will be inactive on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has been through the wringer in the last couple of weeks.

Jones was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list last Wednesday and was ruled out for the team's win over the Atlanta Falcons this past weekend. Now, the pinky injury threatens to possibly end his season early.

It would be quite unfortunate if the Buccaneers were without Jones for the playoffs. The former second-round pick had been a major contributor in the running game, rushing for 900 yards on 5.0 yards per carry. Although he has struggled with drops, Jones' ability to break big runs has added a different element to Tampa Bay's offense.

Leonard Fournette will be the starting tailback for the foreseeable future. Fournette has had far less success churning out yards, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry on the year and mostly being utilized on passing downs. But the Buccaneers will need the former Jacksonville Jaguars back to be productive as they hope to win out and improve their playoff seeding.

Tampa Bay has another date with the Falcons after facing the Lions this weekend. The Bucs still have a chance at the NFC South title, though a New Orleans Saints win in either of the next two games would clinch the division.

In any case, the Buccaneers will hope to win out to improve their seeding, with the notion Jones ideally returns for the playoffs.