Buccaneers' Fournette stays on IR; David, Bernard returning vs. Eagles

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't activate running back Leonard Fournette off injured reserve for Sunday's wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced.

The Buccaneers did activate linebacker Lavonte David and running back Giovani Bernard, clearing them to return.

There was initial optimism that all three players would return after Tampa Bay designated them to practice earlier this week. Fournette has been sidelined since Week 15 due to a hamstring injury, David missed time with a foot ailment, and Bernard was out due to a knee issue.

With Fournette still on IR and Ronald Jones already ruled out for Sunday's contest, the Buccaneers are expected to rely on Bernard, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, and Le'Veon Bell.

Fournette, 26, finished the season as the team's leading rusher, totaling 812 yards and eight touchdowns.

Tampa Bay ended the regular season as the NFC's No. 2 seed with a 13-4 record.