Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette expected to be out Sunday

Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette not expected to play vs. Colts

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 08: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) hands the ball off to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) during the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 8, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /

Leonard Fournette has been the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Jaguars offense thus far, but they’ll probably have to do without him on Sunday.

So far this season, Leonard Fournette has been as good as advertised. The Jaguars rookie running back leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns (six) and he is second in both carries (130) and rushing yards (596). But he suffered a bad-looking right ankle injury last Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, and did not return to the game despite being cleared to do so.

Fournette did not practice all week, but he said he expected to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The team seems to have the opposite view, purely based on holding him out of practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Fournette is not expected to play on Sunday.

With Fournette battling some minor injuries even before last week, Chris Ivory has seen a bit of an increased role. Last week against the Rams he had just two carries for three yards, but added nine receptions (on 10 targets) for 74 yards and a touchdown.

The Colts have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs (27.9 per game, ESPN PPR scoring). So an already locked in fantasy starter like Fournette would have a very favorable matchup, and now Ivory is set to take on that lead role.

Fournette’s absence could also mean more passing for Blake Bortles on Sunday. Before you shun that possible fantasy potential, remember the Colts have also allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks (ESPN scoring) and at least 295 passing yards in five of their six games (over 300 yards four times). So Bortles’ streamer potential is enhanced with the prospect of more pass attempts.

Next: FanDuel NFL Lineup: Week 7

Once Fournette is officially declared inactive, his fantasy owners can easily turn to Ivory as a plug-and-play this week (assuming he is available). And if you’re in quarterback quandary, or looking for a second starter in two-quarterback leagues, Bortles is now firmly in play.

Home/Jacksonville Jaguars