The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' backfield is closer to getting healthy ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round game against the New Orleans Saints.
Coach Bruce Arians said running back Ronald Jones (quad/finger) was better Friday but will be a game-time decision. He was officially listed as questionable. Leonard Fournette will start the game.
Jones returned to practice Thursday in a limited capacity. He sat out the wild-card game against Washington as he deals with calf and finger injuries.
The Bucs placed guard Alex Cappa on injured reserve and re-signed eighth-year veteran guard Earl Watford.
Here are the other injuries and roster moves we're monitoring Friday:
- New Orleans Saints backup center Will Clapp has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Contract tracing identified no high-risk close contacts, though the NFL will continue to monitor test results, but Pelissero added there is optimism this is isolated. As Pelissero pointed out, with no high-risk contacts, that means proper protocols were followed and no other players' status has been affected for Sunday. The game is on as scheduled.
Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (knee) and running back Latavius Murray (quad) are both questionable against the Bucs.
- The Los Angeles Rams elevated defensive back Donte' Deayon and quarterback Bryce Perkins from the practice squad. Long snapper Colin Holba was signed to the practice squad.
- The Green Bay Packers elevated defensive lineman Brian Price and cornerback KeiVarae Russell to the active roster for game day.
- The Cleveland Browns activated guard Joel Bitonio from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced. Tackle Jack Conklin (knee/hamstring), linebacker B.J. Goodson (shoulder), tight end David Njoku (hamstring) and tight end Stephen Carlson (groin) are questionable vs. the Chiefs.
- Kansas City Chiefs receiver Sammy Watkins (calf) and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (ankle) won't play against Cleveland. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) and tight end Deon Yelder (groin) are questionable after not practicing Thursday and Friday, while cornerback Rashad Fenton (foot/ankle) is questionable after being limited in practice.
- The Chicago Bears released an NFL spokesperson statement that defensive lineman Mario Edwards has been suspended two games for for violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The full statement reads: "Mario Edwards of the Chicago Bears has been suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2021 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. He will be able to participate in preseason practices and games."
- The Las Vegas Raiders announced Friday they have signed quarterback Kyle Sloter to a reserves/future contract.
- The San Francisco 49ers announced Friday they have signed quarterback Josh Johnson to a reserve/futures contract.
