Leonard Fournette

According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior writer Scott Smith, Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles says that RB Leonard Fournette is the starter in the team's backfield, while rookie RB Rachaad White will compete with Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Gio Bernard to “carve out” a complimentary role.

Fantasy Impact

This is welcomed news for Fournette dynasty managers, as the addition of former Arizona State RB Rachaad White via last month's NFL Draft caused some speculation that Fournette may lose the true workhorse role that he had in 2021. Fournette finished as the RB6 in PPR formats last season largely due to the healthy volume of touches he received on the ground and through the air instead of through efficiency. White is a smooth pass-catching back who is tough to hit in space, and he offers upside as a rusher at the NFL level. If Bowles’ comments come to fruition, White isn’t likely to have a huge fantasy impact as a rookie in 2022, but he will be sought after in dynasty leagues with Fournette only being under contract for next season.

Leonard Fournette and the Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a three-year, $21 million contract.

Fantasy Impact

The 27-year-old running back has been stellar for Tampa. In his two seasons there, he has rushed for 1179 yards and 14 touchdowns as well as collecting 687 receiving yards and two touchdowns through the air. With the return of Tom Brady and other primary pieces of the team, Fournette is a clear RB1 in an offense that is going to score a lot of points.

The New England Patriots are hosting free-agent RB Leonard Fournette on a visit Monday.

Fantasy Impact

Fournette, coming off a career-best year, looked set to make a bunch of money in free agency, but it has been a slow process thus far. The Patriots have been very quiet so far, but they might look to make a splash by bringing in a proven star to make the backfield elite. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to this situation to see how it plays out.

Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) rushed 13 times for 51 yards and two touchdowns and secured all nine targets for 56 yards during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

After battling a hamstring injury for the past few weeks, Fournette was activated off the injured reserve list on Saturday prior to Sunday's game. He went nuts during the game snatching up nine targets, totaling 107 yards, and had two touchdowns. The veteran who ranked third in receptions at the position heads into the offseason with some uncertainties around him at QB. If he is back, look for Forunette to remain a top-10 fantasy RB.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) has been activated off the Injured Reserve and will play in Sunday’s divisional tilt against the Rams.

Fantasy Impact

Fournette has been out since week 16 due to this injury but is now expected to play on Sunday. With Fournette being out for awhile it is uncertain whether he is truly 100% yet or if he will be on some sort of a snap count but regardless Fournette brings a big boost to this Buccaneers backfield.