Leonard Fournette injury update and fantasy outlook: Should you start the Buccaneers RB in Week 14?

New Orleans Saints v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New Orleans Saints v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Leonard Fournette is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' starting running back. Fournette is fondly known as 'Playoff Lenny' by fans, with the veteran serving as a key contributor to the Bucs' backfield. Unfortunately, Fournette has not had an amazing season by his high standards, mostly due to injury issues and health concerns.

Speaking of which, Fournette is currently listed as questionable for Tampa Bay's Week 14 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This is likely due to a foot injury sustained in Week 13 and a variety of knocks he has struggled with throughout the season.

Fournette was added to Tampa Bay's injury report on Thursday and is listed with a foot injury. He has missed practice and his status for Sunday isn't clear yet. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring news about his injury's severity in the coming days.

If cleared, he is a risk to start, not just because of his foot injury, but because Rachaad White could take a lot of the snaps. Compounding this is the fact that the San Francisco 49ers boast a formidable defense. All signs point to a poor week for Fournette.

Should you start Leonard Fournette against the San Francisco 49ers?

The reality is that in Week 14, most fantasy leagues have very few decent running back options to pick up if Fournette is ruled out. The decision to start Leonard Fournette really hinges over what other options are out there.

Fournette has seen his snap count diminish over the course of the season. The Buccaneers side have not been great at running the ball due to a host of injuries and shuffling of personnel along their offensive line. This has resulted in some painful weeks for fantasy owners, who have been watching Rachaad White's emergence with concern.

This doesn't stop Fournette from being a fantasy asset on his day. This season hasn't been the most consistent for the year six vet, but he's still among the best RB options in the game. This week, however, we recommend taking a look at other options before starting Leonard Fournette.

Possible streaming replacements for Leonard Fournette

Rachaad White is the obvious choice if Fournette is ruled out, or if you have doubts about his snap count. The problem is that White is likely already rostered. As mentioned above, the list of unrostered running backs is not inspiring in most fantasy leagues. There are a few key injuries to monitor over the course of the next day, as this could find you a gem to win your matchup.

Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks left Week 13's match early due to an ankle injury. He has not practiced, has a very big Q over his name and is a game-day decision. It's worth picking up Travis Homer while you can, just in case Walker is out for the game against the Carolina Panthers. If he can't play, Homer will have a big day.

The same goes for Matt Breida of the New York Giants. Saquon Barkley is questionable with a neck injury, however, it feels like he will play on Sunday. This, however, is yet to be determined for certain.Other potential streamers include:

  • James Cook, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
  • Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

How is Leonard Fournette performing this season?

Fournette has had an unspectacular season as the number one option at running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This season, Fournette has recorded 511 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 347 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.

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