Tampa Bay Buccaneers to activate Leonard Fournette off injured reserve prior to NFL divisional playoff game, source says

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will activate starting running back Leonard Fournette off injured reserve, making him eligible to play in Sunday's divisional playoff against the Los Angeles Rams, a source told ESPN on Saturday.

To make room on the roster, the Bucs are waiving running back Le'Veon Bell, a source told ESPN.

Fournette, who suffered a hamstring strain in Week 15, began his 21-day practice window last week to return from IR. While there initially was confidence that Fournette could return for last week's wild-card game, he felt discomfort when he attempted to reach top speed and wasn't activated, coach Bruce Arians said.

«He looks fine. He looks good,» Arians said Friday. «He didn't have the setback he had last week, so we'll wait and see.»

Fournette earned the nickname «Playoff Lenny» and later «Lombardi Lenny» last postseason, when he had a league-high 448 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, despite not being the starter during the regular season.

It earned him a starting role this year, and he rushed for 812 yards and eight touchdowns in Weeks 1-15 — 10th most in the league during that span. His 1,266 yards from scrimmage during that span also ranked 10th in the league for any position and sixth among running backs.

«Other guys really stepped up when he was out, but obviously we really love having 'Lenny' in there,» quarterback Tom Brady said this week. «He did a great job in the biggest moments last year. I think everyone believes in him, trusts in him and knows he can really come through for us.»

Fournette's presence could certainly help offset the potential losses of All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs and Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen, who are both game-time decisions with ankle injuries, and