Ronald Jones COVID Update Skyrockets Leonard Fournette Week 15 Fantasy Outlook

Updated (Wednesday, Dec. 16, 4:15 p.m. EST): Ronald Jones has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list ahead of Sunday's game, which means fantasy managers should check on Leonard Fournette's waiver wire availability ASAP. LeSean McCoy and Ke'Shawn Vaughn are also on the Bucs' roster, but it's no guarantee they see much run in Week 15. Be aware that Tampa Bay will face a tough Atlanta Falcons defense in Week 15 that is allowing the seventh-fewest PPR points per game to RBs this season.

The #Bucs have placed RB Ronald Jones, who was already in doubt for Sunday due to finger surgery, on the COVID-19 reserve list.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2020

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones has continued to be a threat out of the backfield this year. However, Jones suffered a pinkie injury in Week 14 that has required surgery, leaving his Week 15 fantasy football outlook cloudy.

Bucs RB Ronald Jones suffered a fracture to his left pinkie while blocking Sunday and is undergoing a procedure this morning to have a pin inserted into the finger. Sources told ESPN he still has a chance to play this week but they have to wait and see https://t.co/D5ernglmn6
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) December 15, 2020

Ronald Jones Fantasy Outlook

Jones fantasy managers don't need to panic yet with Jones' status up in the air, but it's better to be proactive and check out the waiver wire for potential pickups if the running back can't go on Sunday.

Jones is averaging 17.0 opportunities (13.8 rushes plus 3.2 targets) and 81.9 yards from scrimmage per game for Tampa Bay this season. The running back has already surpassed his touchdown total from last year (6) with seven touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 receiving) in just 13 games this year.

Jones is one of the most consistent fantasy RBs, ranking as RB13 in PPR scoring during the 2020 season. The running back has scored 15+ fantasy points in back-to-back games and is averaging 13.3 fantasy points per game.

If Jones does suit up on Sunday, he'll mantain his high-end RB2 status, but he'll face an Atlanta Falcons defense that ranks in the top 10 in fewest fantasy points allowed to RBs per game (20.65) this season.

Leonard Fournette Fantasy Outlook

If Jones can't play on Sunday, Leonard Fournette will get a chance to stretch his legs as the team's starter. Fournette is averaging 10.6 opportunities (6.9 attempts plus 3.7 targets) and 44.2 yards from scrimmage per game as a change-of-pace back behind Jones.

The former No. 4 overall pick has only been on the fringes of fantasy relevancy this year, but he has four double-digit fantasy performances, including a 27.6-point outing in Week 2 when he ran for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Fournette would slot in as a solid RB2 if he takes over as Tampa Bay's starter this week.

SIGN UP AND GET AN INSTANT DEPOSIT BONUS UP TO 500! We'll match 20% of your first deposit on FanDuel Fantasy Sports. Max bonus $500