Doug Marrone 'Hopeful' Leonard Fournette Returns from Injury vs. Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette has missed his team's last two games with a hamstring injury, but head coach Doug Marrone is "hopeful" he will return Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com.

The team expects to know more about his status later in the week.

Fournette has appeared in only two out of six games this year due to the hamstring injury.

He was also forced to leave early in both of his starts, totaling only 20 carries for 71 yards so far in 2018.

The Jaguars have struggled mightily without Fournette, going 1-3 in games with the 2017 No. 4 overall pick inactive. Jacksonville has scored only 21 total points over the last two weeks combined, resulting in back-to-back losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys.

These struggles could force Fournette to return even before his hamstring is fully healed.

T.J. Yeldon has fared relatively well in Fournette's place with 299 rushing yards, 223 receiving yards and four total touchdowns in six games. The team also signed veteran Jamaal Charles last week to provide some depth, and he received five carries in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys.

But Fournette could be a difference-maker, and the Jaguars assuredly want him back as soon as possible.