Buccaneers RB Ronald Jones II Doesn't Practice, But Is 'Getting Better'

Ronald Jones II's status remains up in the air entering the Divisional Round.

With practice underway as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers approach the Divisional Round of the playoffs, starting running back Ronald Jones II did not practice on Wednesday. Despite that, head coach Bruce Arians sound optimistic about his status.

Jones, surprisingly, didn't play against the Washington Football Team in Saturday's Wild Card matchup, as he dealt with a quad injury. Jones' quad injury appeared on last week's practice injury report, however, Jones was a full participant each day of practice.

"Ro is getting better, [but] he did not practice today," Arians said on Wednesday. "I anticipate and hope he can go tomorrow. 

Jones didn't play in Weeks 15 and 16 as he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, while also dealing with a fractured finger. He returned in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons and rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts.

Leonard Fournette stepped up in a big way against Washington in the first round of the playoffs, taking 19 rushes for 93 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 39 yards in the passing game. Fournette will be depended on again should Jones not be able to play, while depth running back LeSean McCoy returned to practice on Wednesday after being inactive on Saturday.

Arians shared on Monday that Jones had "looked fine" during Thursday and Friday's Wild Card practices and that his quad swelled up before the game. Arians would go on to say that "we'll wait and see," if Jones would be available this coming Sunday.

In his third season with the Buccaneers, Jones led the team with 978 yards and seven touchdowns.