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Friday update: Bernard is out for Week 4, per Ben Volin. This likely helps Leonard Fournette, who is the more trusted receiver between Ronald Jones and himself.
Thursday update: Giovani Bernard was not seen at practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday as well, per Rick Stroud. He’ll need to practice on Friday to have a chance to play Sunday night against the Patriots.
Wednesday update: Giovani Bernard won’t practice on Wednesday, per Carmen Vitali. Bernard’s status is day-to-day, so there is still time for his knee to be ready. A return to a limited practice on Thursday would be big for his chance to play Sunday night.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Giovani Bernard is dealing with a knee injury, according to head coach Bruce Arians. It’s unknown if Bernard can practice this week but he is likely to get better as the week progresses. Bernard had a big week against the Los Angeles Rams, largely due to the game script. He finished the game with nine catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Fantasy football implications
This is good news for managers who have Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones, although that’s a relative term with this backfield. The Buccaneers have rotated their running backs so frequently it’s hard to grasp who is worth playing. Arians says Fournette could get more work, but this backfield is not fun to deal with.
The Patriots present an interesting matchup in Week 4. New England has a relatively poor run defense and this could be the opportunity for Fournette, Jones or Bernard to take charge of this backfield. However, Bill Belichick has a plan for everyone and he should have a good plan for this rushing attack.