Bucs running back Ronald Jones II was just 22 yards away from 1,000 yards last year when he broke his pinkie and contracted COVID-19. Those maladies forced him to miss Weeks 15-16 last year. Leonard Fournette filled in admirably, and then Jones injured his quad in pregame warmups in the Wild Card playoff game at Washington.

Fournette turned into “Playoff Lenny” with 92 yards rushing and a touchdown in Tampa Bay’s 31-23 win. Meanwhile, Jones was relegated to backup status throughout the postseason. That status didn’t change for Jones all season this year – until Fournette injured his hamstring in the third quarter of the Bucs’ 9-0 loss to the Saints.

Jones filled in with a season-high 63 yards on eight carries (7.9 avg.) versus New Orleans, including a season-long 30-yard dash. In limited duty, Jones has rushed for 337 yards and three touchdowns on 71 carries (4.8 avg.) in the 2021 season.

Bucs RB Ronald Jones II – Photo by: USA Today

“Ro was running really well,” said Bucs head coach Bruce Arians on Bucs Total Access. “And he caught the ball really well. With Lenny getting hurt, it’s all on [Jones’] shoulders again. I look forward to that one.”

Jones had the best game of his career with 192 yards rushing at Carolina in last year’s 46-23 victory. Jones had a 98-yard touchdown against the Panthers. Arians hopes Jones takes control of the starting running back job for the rest of the season. Just like Fournette did around this time last year.

Tampa Bay’s head coach realizes how difficult this season has been for Jones. He’s had to play second fiddle to Fournette while in a contract year.

“It’s hard, but every time he’s been in the ball game, he’s running his ass off,” Arians said. “I like the way he’s responded every week.”

Second-year runner Ke’Shawn Vaughn will back up Jones on Sunday versus the Panthers. Also, newly signed veteran Le’Veon Bell is expected to take over some third down opportunities. The Bucs will count on him as a pass catcher and in pass protection.

“He’s been a good receiver in the past and played in this offense in Pittsburgh for a while,” Arians said. “We’ll see what he can learn and what he can give us in the next few weeks.”