Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette missed the team's Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but he could be back on Thursday against the Chicago Bears.

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said Monday “there's a shot for Leonard this week,” adding the likes of Chris Godwin and others are still being assessed on a daily basis, per Greg Auman of The Athletic.

The Buccaneers staged a big comeback over the Chargers, thanks in part to a resurgent performance from Tom Brady.

Brady threw for 369 yards and five touchdowns despite missing Godwin and also dealing with a banged-up Mike Evans. Tampa Bay also had success establishing the running game, even without Fournette.

Ronald Jones rushed 20 times for 111 yards, carving through L.A.'s defense and setting the Buccaneers up for success in the passing game.

Article Continues Below
More Buccaneers News
image thumbnail
3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowBen Strauss ·
Mystery player in the middle, Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr around him, Buccaneers logo in the background
1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) celebrates after a 54-yard run in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Buccaneers’ Bucky Irving surpasses Vita Vea, Mike Evans for impressive honorJaren Kawada ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (13) catches the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium.
Buccaneers rumors: Why insider is wondering about a Mike Evans tradeJackson Stone ·
Haason Reddick in the middle, Baker Mayfield and Coach Todd Bowles around him, Stormy skies in the background
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonEnzo Flojo ·
Featured image Desmond Watson
Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles breaks down Desmond Watson’s impact vs. Tush PushDylan Fine ·

That said, Tampa Bay would probably prefer to have Fournette back in the mix.

The former Jacksonville Jaguars running back offers a change of pace from Jones as a downhill kind of runner. Fournette rushed for 103 yards and a pair of scores in Week 2, including a 46-yard run that sealed the win over the Carolina Panthers.

Fournette gives Tampa Bay another option on the ground and frees up Jones to get more involved in the passing game, which is particularly important given Godwin's status and with Evans ailing.

The Buccaneers have now won three straight after a Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Brady's big game seems to bode well moving forward, though establishing the run should take some of the pressure off the 43-year-old to constantly make plays through the air.