Tamp Bay makes final decision on running back Leonard Fournette

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hoping for Leonard Fournette to make his return to the lineup for the playoffs. While the game takes place on Sunday, Tampa Bay had to activate Fournette by Saturday’s deadline.

Unfortunately, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed news that won’t make Buccaneers faithful happy.

“Buccaneers are not activating RB Leonard Fournette by today’s 4 pm deadline and he will not play Sunday vs. the Eagles, per source,” tweeted Schefter.

Evidently, Fournette isn’t ready to return from the hamstring injury that’s sidelined him for a month. When Fournette was on the field, he was highly productive — accumulating 812 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

Moreover, the former LSU star was tremendous for the Buccaneers in their Super Bowl run last season. The running back ran for 300 yards and three touchdowns, as well as adding 148 yards and a touchdowns receiving during the team’s championship run.

While Fournette has been ruled out, one running back is being activated — veteran Giovanni Bernard. Now, Bernard will hope to contribute to the backfield featuring Ronald Jones II, Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Le’Veon Bell.

Tampa Bay will miss Leonard Fournette, but their Super Bowl hopes remain in the hands of Tom Brady. If the star quarterback can take his team on another wild run, he’ll further cement his legacy.

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Without Fournette on the field, it’s been a struggle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense. Luckily, the team hasn’t been forced to face any stiff competition over recent weeks — two games against the Carolina Panthers with the New York Jets sandwiched in-between the end their season.

As Wild Card Weekend approaches, the Buccaneers are heavy favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Eagles have given Brady fits in the past — namely a victory over the Brady-led Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Still, Tampa Bay already possesses one victory over the Eagles this season. In Week 6, the Buccaneers traveled to Philadelphia and defeated the Eagles, 28-22. However, Fournette and wide receiver Antonio Brown accounted for three of the four Tampa Bay touchdowns. Both players won’t be on the field for the rematch.

Tampa Bay will still be favored over the Eagles without Leonard Fournette. However, a Super Bowl run could be in jeopardy if the star running back can’t find his way back onto the field.