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In a somewhat surprise move, the Buccaneers appear to be giving Ronald Jones the unquestioned lead back role as Leonard Fournette is a healthy scratch for the Bucs. Jones is the fourth leading rusher in the NFL but has still been splitting time and touches with fellow back Fournette. Against the Vikings, it’s full steam ahead for the Bucs’ leading ball carrier.
The Bucs will also be without cornerback Jamel Dean for the second consecutive game. He was out against the Kansas City Chiefs with a concussion and will now miss the game against Minnesota with a groin injury. The Bucs sorely missed his speed against Tyreek Hill in week twelve and will now be without him against receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.
For the Vikings, it’s a no go for linebacker Eric Kendricks which will hurt the Vikings not only in run defense but in the passing game against tight end Rob Gronkowski. They will also be without backup running back Alexander Mattison who is recovering from surgery and has not yet been cleared to return to action as well as leading tight end Kyle Rudolph.
Here are the full inactive reports for the Buccaneers and Vikings;
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
RB - Leonard Fournette
CB - Jamel Dean
QB - Ryan Griffin
TE - Tanner Hudson
DL - Jeremiah Ledbetter
DT - Khalil Davis
Minnesota Vikings:
LB - Eric Kendricks
RB - Alexander Mattison
CB - Dylan Mabin
WR - K.J. Osborn
T - Olisaemeka Udoh
TE - Kyle Rudolph
Rookie running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn is active once again, taking over for Leonard Fournette. Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud reported that Fournette’s drops in the passing game were certainly a factor as the Bucs are looking to get more production from their running back corps in the passing game.
The Buccaneers and Vikings kick-off at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX in a game with heavy playoff implications for both squads. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call along with Erin Andrews from the sidelines.