Buccaneers place RB Giovani Bernard on IR with MCL injury

The Buccaneers placed Giovani Bernard on the injured reserve list. This was the expected move after the running back suffered an MCL injury earlier this week.

Bernard is also dealing with a hip issue, and both injuries will require some time off. Fortunately for the Bucs, they have enough backfield ammo to get by without him. Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette continue to lead the rushing attack while Ke’Shawn Vaughn is already on the roster to serve as the third RB. If they want a fourth, Darwin Thompson is available for promotion.

So far this year, Bernard has registered just eight carries for 58 yards, plus 23 catches for 123 yards and three touchdowns. Last year, he managed 47 catches for 355 yards and three receiving TDs with the Bengals — his best line since 2017.

The 10-3 Bucs face the Saints on Sunday night, a chance to formally clinch the NFC South.