Already without starting running back Leonard Fournette, the Bucs saw two other backs go down with injury in Sunday’s win over the Jets. Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn both suffered injuries in Week 18. Those maladies thrust newly-signed Le’Veon Bell into the lineup in crunch time. Bell finished with three carries for five yards, but caught three passes for 30 yards too. The veteran back also converted the Bucs’ 2-point conversion try to go up 28-24 with 15 seconds left.

On Monday, head coach Bruce Arians gave an update on the injuries to Jones and Vaughn.

“We’re waiting to see on RoJo’s MRI on his ankle, how severe it is,” Arians said. “I think Ke’Shawn has bruised ribs. Hopefully he’ll be ready to go (this week).”

The Bucs have been decimated with injuries all season, attacking position group after position group. Early in the season it was the defensive backs and wide receivers. Since then, the Bucs have lost both starting edge rushers too. Now a wave of injuries has hit the team’s running backs.

First Start Coming For Bucs RB Vaughn?

However, there is some good news. During Arians weekly spot on Bucs Total Access, he indicated the team might have one rusher back on Sunday versus the Panthers.

Bucs RB Ronald Jones II – Photo by: USA Today

“Still waiting,” Arians said. “RoJo is an ankle sprain. Ke’Shawn is just ribs. It doesn’t look like there is anything broken. So hopefully we’ll have him back next week.”

If Jones is unable to play in the Bucs final game of the season, Vaughn would start. There’s no doubt Arians has confidence in the young back’s ability. After his recent comments on Vaughn as a future lead back, Arians had high praise for the former third rounder after Sunday’s victory.

“Really good,” Arians said. “Really ran the ball well, caught the ball well. This was one of his best ball games. He tripped with one I thought he was going to take to the house. He tripped one time on the turf. He’s getting better and better.”

You can listen to the entire interview here.