Leonard Fournette's return from injury is on hold.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday the rookie is inactive versus the Cincinnati Bengals for a violation of team rules, according to a source informed of the situation.
Fournette was held out of Sunday's game because he missed some appointments, including a workout and treatment, Rapoport reported.
"Leonard Fournette is not playing in today's game due to an infraction of a team rule," coach Doug Marrone said in a statement 90 minutes before kickoff. "This has been addressed internally and further details will not be made public."
Fournette missed the Jags' Week 7 win with an ankle injury. He was slated to return after healing over the team's bye last week.
The Week 9 bench is big news for the AFC South-leading Jaguars, who have leaned on Fournette this season. The rookie leads the NFL in rushing yards per game (99.3) this season and is averaging 21.7 carries per game -- the most by a rookie since Julius Jones in 2004 (24.6).
In the team's win sans Fournette, Chris Ivory earned the bulk of the carries (17 for 47 yards and 1 TD), while T.J. Yeldon provided the most explosive plays (nine carries for 122 yards and a score). The duo will again share snaps in Fournette's absence, with Ivory slated to start.
Facing a stout Bengals defense, the first-round rookie's benching pumps up the pressure on quarterback Blake Bortles. The Jags have tried to hide the quarterback this season, rarely throwing unless the game becomes a blowout. The Jaguars have played only one game decided by single digits this season (fewest in NFL): Wins by 22, 37, 21, and 27 points (all by 20-plus points); losses by 21, 3, and 10 points (two of three by double digits).
The team discipline now puts Bortles in a position to try and carry his team versus the Bengals.
