After suffering a hamstring injury during last weekend’s win over the Giants, it was uncertain if Leonard Fournette would suit up for Sunday’s game against the Patriots. While the running back has sat out the last two days of practice, he’s optimistic that he’ll be ready to go.
“I like [the chances of playing] now since the day’s been going on more and more,” Fournette told ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco. “It’s feeling better and better…Any person would give anything to play, especially [since] it’s a great football team we’re going against. Just have to see. My main focus is to strengthen it back up, get the swelling or whatever that is in there [down], and come out Sunday and play.”
Fournette also told ESPN’s Jeff Darling that it will likely come down to a game-time decision (Twitter link).
After compiling 41 yards on nine carries, Fournette said he heard a pop after planting his right leg during a first-half play. Head coach Doug Marrone didn’t sound overly worried about his running back’s status for Sunday, noting that the injury was suffered in a “good part” of the leg. Marrone also cited that Fournette knows how to deal with the pain.
If Fournette is forced out of the lineup, the Jaguars will likely turn to backup T.J. Yeldon. The former second-round compiled 51 yards on 14 carries last weekend, and he added another three receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown. Corey Grant is the only other running back on the active roster.