Ronald Jones II Week 3 Outlook -

By Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros), Thu, Sep 23rd 2021, 7:18pm EDT

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians named Jones the starter in advance of the Bucs' Week 2 game against the Falcons, but "starter" was a figurehead title in this case. Fournette edged Jones in snaps and out-touched him 15-7. Jones simply isn't useful in the passing game, which is always going to limit his role - especially with Tom Brady running the offense and being particular about his RBs being in the right place at the right time. Fournette isn't the most efficient pass catcher, but he at least demonstrates basic competence in that area. He's probably the only Tampa back worth rostering at the moment, though he's no better than a midrange RB3 against a good Rams defense. It's surprising we haven't seen more of Bernard, who's played 18% of the Bucs' offensive snaps through two games. There had been reports just before the start of the season that Bernard had been dealing with a "mild high-ankle sprain," which is probably just a regular high-ankle sprain, which is probably something Bernard shouldn't have been trying to play through. Perhaps he'll play a bigger role when he's fully healthy.