RADIO
A shift has been brewing in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield for several weeks. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation as we head into Week 12.
Incumbent Bucs starter Leonard Fournette suffered a hip injury in Tampa Bay's Week 10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Germany. Bucs rookie back Rachaad White performed well with the increased workload against the Seahawks. Fournette has been a limited participant in practice ahead of a Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Is Leonard Fournette hurt? Should I start Rachaad White in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns? Below we take a quick look at the updated injury status for Fournette and attempt to answer these questions.
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Is Leonard Fournette Hurt Or Healthy?
After putting together an elite fantasy season in 2021, Leonard Fournette has performed below expectations this season. Fournette has averaged a paltry 3.4 yards per carry this season, the lowest mark in the NFL among running backs with at least 100 rushing attempts.
Fournette was injured late in Tampa Bay's Week 10 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Initially diagnosed as a hip pointer, the veteran has continued struggling with the issue this week, despite coming off Tampa's bye. He's been a limited participant in all Bucs' practices this week and has been officially designated as questionable for Week 12 against Cleveland.
Should I Start Rachaad White In Week 12?
Due to Fournette's overall ineffectiveness this season, rookie Rachaad White has handled a growing workload in Tampa Bay's backfield.
White earned a career-high 22 carries in a Week 10 win over the Seattle Seahawks. He converted that significant volume into a career-high 105 rushing yards.
With Fournette only able to practice in a limited fashion all week and officially listed as doubtful for Week 12, White catapults into must-start territory against the Cleveland Browns.
The rookie has clearly been the more dynamic back for the Bucs in recent weeks and Fournette's absence would lead to a clear lead role for White. The matchup against Cleveland is also an enticing one, as the Browns have been smashed on the ground in 2022 and rank dead last in the NFL in Rush Defense DVOA. Assuming Fournette is unable to suit up, White is a slam-dunk RB1 in Week 12.
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