Leonard Fournette needs to make his health a top priority to have success in 2018

The Jaguars workhorse battled several injuries in his rookie year. Can he recover to have a bigger sophomore campaign?

The Jacksonville Jaguars got a makeover on offense when they drafted Leonard Fournette in the 2017 draft. The fourth overall pick instantly improved the Jaguars’ running game as he rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown in the first game of the season. Fournette rushed for 100 yards or more in five different games, and a touchdown in eight different games his rookie season. The Jaguars workhorse finished the regular season with 1,040 yards and 10 total touchdowns. He helped get the Jaguars back into the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Despite his success, Fournette had his fair share of obstacles during his rookie campaign. He was never 100 percent healthy this season. Fournette battled a chronic ankle issue that he has dealt with since college for most of the year. He also showed up on the Jaguars injury report with a shoulder injury and quad problem at some point in the season. Fournette missed three total games battling injuries in 2017.

Looking ahead to 2018

Staying healthy has to be the top priority for Fournette in 2018. He spent 12 weeks on the Jaguars injury report in 2017. There will be a lot of pressure on Fournette next year. The Jaguars are going to be a run-heavy offense. If Fournette can stay fresh, he is looking at a solid season behind the Jaguars’ solid offensive line. It will be critical for him to fully recover from his litany of injuries in the offseason.

Fantasy Slant

Fournette has the talent to be a fantasy beast. He needs to be a lot more consistent, however. Fournette was kept under 60 rushing yards in six games this season. Most of the year he played hurt. If nothing changes over the offseason, Fournette will still be a solid RB2 next season. He can be an elite rusher if he stays healthy in 2018.