LEONARD FOURNETTE INJURY UPDATE

Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

The Jaguars could be without star RB Leonard Fournette for an extended period of time. 

Leonard Fournette has been dealing with a hamstring injury dating back to the second quarter of the Jaguars 2018 season opener. The injury forced him out of the lineup during weeks two and three for the Jaguars. The 2017 fourth overall pick was able to return for the Jaguars week four matchup with the Jets, but quickly found his way back to the sideline. After less than a half of play Fournette reaggravated his hamstring injury and missed the entirety of the second half. 

The Jaguars were able to win the game with ease, but they could be without their work horse running back for an extended period of time. 

Head coach Doug Marrone met with the media Monday afternoon and spoke about Fournette's injury. 

"Probably go back to when he first hurt it", Marrone said when asked about the extent of Fournette's injury. "I don't know how long it'll be, we'll just take it day by day. It's the same thing, there's a thing that's just pulling at it. It's legit, there's something there. We just gotta do everything we can to get that out. Whatever that thing is that feels like it catches. That's all I know. I don't know all the doctor talk about it."

When asked to give further details on how long Fournette could be out Marrone again said "I don't know. I just really don't know. Believe me if I knew exactly what the deal was and I could tell you three, six, ten, IR I would."

Marrone did go back and make it clear that the team wasn't considering putting Fournette on injured reserve. Marrone also suggested that the team doesn't feel they need to make a roster move, but that they could potentially make one if they thought it would improve their team, as they would with any position on the roster. 

So, what does this all mean?

It means Fournette will likely be out at least two more games. That's how many he originally missed and Marrone suggested that they're back to square one with the injury. But the Jaguars would be wise to rest him for as long - maybe even longer - than he needs. Hamstring injuries are always tricky and often stick with a player for a full season or even longer. The Jaguars will need Fournette to be 100 percent down the stretch in December and January. With a 3-1 record after the first quarter of the season the coaching staff should be in no rush to get him back on the field. 

Things could get tricky with the running back position though. Without Leonard Fournette the Jaguars primary ball carrier becomes TJ Yeldon. The problem is Yeldon is still dealing with an ankle injury of his own. An injury that Doug Marrone said "he has concerns" about.

It's an unfortunate situation for a player that looked ready to make a big splash in year two for the Jaguars, but if the team and Leonard are able to be patient with this nagging hamstring injury, it could pay big dividends later on. The hope will be that TJ Yeldon can stay healthy and carry the load for the Jaguars while they wait on Fournette to return.