Cleared for return to practice
The Buccaneers designated Fournette (hamstring) for return from injured reserve Wednesday.
Head coach Bruce Arians said last week that Fournette was trending in the right direction in his recovery from a hamstring strain, adding that the lead running back could be available for Sunday's playoff opener against the Eagles. The decision to clear Fournette to resume practicing when first eligible would add credence to the notion that he'll have a good chance at suiting up in the wild-card round. Tampa Bay also designated Giovani Bernard (knee) for return from IR on Wednesday, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Le'Veon Bell both remain available as backfield options in the event neither Fournette or Bernard are cleared for the postseason opener. Meanwhile, Ronald Jones (ankle) looks the least likely of the quintet to play Sunday.
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Ke'Shawn Vaughn
RB | TB
Season ends quietly
Vaughn logged only two special-teams snaps during the Buccaneers' 30-27 divisional-round loss to the Rams on Sunday. He finished the 2021 regular season with 36 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns along with four catches (eight targets) for 26 yards. He also amassed 15 yards in kickoff returns, all across 12 games.
Jaelon Darden
WR | TB
Posts 67 return yards before exit
Darden, who exited Sunday's divisional-round loss to the Rams in the fourth quarter with a concussion, returned four kickoffs for 62 yards and one punt for five yards prior to his injury. He completed his rookie season with six receptions for 43 yards on 12 targets, one carry for 11 yards and 501 combined return yards across nine games.
O.J. Howard
TE | TB
One catch in season-ending loss
Howard brought in his sole target for seven yards during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.
Giovani Bernard
RB | TB
Quiet end to season
Bernard did not log a rush attempt and failed to bring in his only target during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday. He also returned one punt for two yards.
Cameron Brate
TE | TB
One catch in season-ending loss
Brate secured one of three targets for nine yards during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski
TE | TB
Could return to Tampa sans Brady?
Gronkowski said he'd consider returning to the Buccaneers even if QB Tom Brady were to retire, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.
Tom Brady
QB | TB
Won't join new team, might retire
Brady isn't likely to make his way to a new team this offseason, instead deciding between retirement and another year with the Buccaneers, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.
Scotty Miller
WR | TB
Four grabs in season-ending loss
Miller brought in four of six targets for 38 yards during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski
TE | TB
Good use of four catches
Gronkowski secured four of 11 targets for 85 yards during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.
Leonard Fournette
RB | TB
Scores twice in IR return
Fournette (hamstring) rushed 13 times for 51 yards and two touchdowns and secured all nine targets for 56 yards during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.