The opportunity for Ronald Jones to reclaim the starting running back role ended rather abruptly.

Jones’ first chance was overshadowed in Week 16 by Ke’Shawn Vaughn’s 55-yard touchdown run. Then the fourth-year running back suffered an ankle injury during the third quarter against the Jets. Now the odds of Jones playing in the season finale are in doubt.

Bruce Arians previously stated that Jones had a sprained ankle. But the USC product wasn’t seen when the Bucs had a walkthrough practice on Wednesday.

“He’s in a boot,” Arians said. “We’ll wait and see if he can run before the week is out.”

The next running back on the depth chart is Ke’Shawn Vaughn. He currently has bruised ribs that caused him to leave Sunday’s game early, but Arians said that he’s fine.

If Jones can’t go in the regular season finale, the Bucs would be down to Vaughn, Le’Veon Bell and Kenjon Barner. They also have the option of calling up Darwin Thompson from the practice squad. However, Arians said the team has typically dressed only three running backs this season.

Tampa Bay hosts the Panthers at home on Sunday afternoon. They have a chance to move up to the No. 2 seed in the NFC if the Bucs win and the Rams lose to the 49ers.