Leonard Fournette, a running back with the Buccaneers, revealed a previously unreported injury he had been playing through.
Following Tampa Bay’s victory over the Cardinals in overtime on Christmas Day, Fournette tweeted that he is suffering from a Lisfranc ailment in his foot.
“I despise when people are on here just commenting about how out of shape I am, etc.,” wrote Fournette. “Do you all realize I’m playing with a Lisfranc fracture in my foot every week? I can hardly push off my foot, but by God’s grace I’m going to keep proving you wrong…… #BucsWin.”
A Lisfranc injury is characterized by bone fractures and/or torn ligaments in the center of the foot. According to sports medicine expert Jesse Morse, it is a painful injury that robs players of their explosiveness.
On December 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona, Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette runs the ball during the first half of a game against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Fournette has struggled in recent weeks while continuing to share playing time with rookie running back Rachaad White.
The Bucs did not disclose Fournette’s apparent injury prior to Sunday’s contest. Uncertain as to why he deleted the tweet.
If the Buccaneers knew Fournette was hurt but neglected to submit it on the injury report, the NFL might punish them. As of Tuesday morning, no disciplinary action has been taken against the team in relation to Fournette’s post.
On December 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona, Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
In Week 14, the 27-year-old was labeled as questionable with a foot injury, but he ended up playing against the 49ers. That week, he was limited in practice.
When speaking to the media on Monday, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles stated that he did not know the severity of Fournette’s injury.
“He ran well (Sunday), so I do not yet know the seriousness of the injury,” Bowles added. The training room won’t open until 3 p.m. today, so I won’t receive the report until then.
The coach also referred to Fournette as a “genuine professional” and a “team player” after he amassed 162 yards on a season-high 29 touches in Sunday’s victory over the Cardinals.
Pirates running back On December 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona, running back Leonard Fournette sits on the bench prior to a game versus the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
“He is aware that Rachaad is on the rise and that he has plenty to give as well,” Bowles stated. “It really doesn’t matter between the two who starts for us. Who gets hot throughout the game and who makes the plays is what matters.”
Sunday, the Buccaneers host the Panthers. With one week remaining in the season, the winner will hold the lead in the NFC South.
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