Ronald Jones

If the Bucs’ running game is going to improve, it likely will have to do so without the club’s leading rusher.

Ronald Jones is unlikely to return from the reserve/COVID-19 list in time for Saturday’s game at Detroit. Coach Bruce Arians on Tuesday called Jones, also dealing with a broken pinkie finger, “doubtful.”

Related players: Leonard Fournette, LeSean McCoy, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Fournette was a healthy scratch just two weeks ago but did produce a 14-46-2 line last week. The only other back to get a carry was Vaughn, but he had just two rushes. McCoy, who seemed to be ahead of Fournette on the depth chart not that long ago, didn't get a rush and had just three receptions. It looks like Fournette would get a bulk of the work again in a nice matchup against the Lions in Week 16.