Bucs' Bruce Arians: Ronald Jones Is 'Our Guy' Despite Leonard Fournette Contract

Ronald Jones II hasn't lost his starting running back job just yet.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians told reporters Jones is still "our guy" despite the Wednesday signing of Leonard Fournette.

"That's one area where nicks and bruises can really add up. When you can get a player of that caliber ... he'll fit right in. We'll see what role happens. Ro-Jo's our guy," Arians said Thursday.

The Bucs signed Fournette to a one-year deal days after his release by the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the LSU product coming off a season in which he compiled 1,674 total yards, there was a natural assumption Fournette would ascend into the starter's role.

However, Arians has been steadfast in his belief in Jones all offseason. The running back had 1,033 total yards last season while starting just nine games, emerging as a reliable but unspectacular option. The Bucs also have LeSean McCoy and Ke'Shawn Vaughn, both of whom are expected to see action this season.

That Jones is opening the season as the starter doesn't mean he'll finish it as such, nor does it guarantee him a lion's share of the carries. The Bucs have a 43-year-old immobile quarterback in Tom Brady. Jones knows the playbook and his pass-protection responsibilities.

Fournette likely won't be caught up enough to handle much more than 10 or so carries for Week 1. It's overwhelmingly likely that Jones gets the majority of the snaps but splits carries with Fournette and cedes third-down opportunities to McCoy.

The Bucs didn't add Fournette to a crowded backfield to keep him on the bench. Jones is probably just the lead of what will be a muddled situation.