Bucs running back Ronald Jones out with hamstring strain

TAMPA — Bucs rookie running back Ronald Jones is expected to miss significant time with a hamstring strain, according to an NFL Network report.

Jones left Sunday’s game in Cincinnati in the second half and did not return. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Jones is expected to miss “a few weeks” with a hamstring strain.

The Bucs have gradually given Jones more snaps as the year’s gone on — he was a healthy scratch in the team’s first three games — but he played in just 16 plays on Sunday, his fewest in four active games this season.

RELATED: More Bucs coverage

Jones made just two carries for minus-3 yards and added a four-yard reception.

Starting running back Peyton Barber, whose own health was in question last week due to an ankle injury that limited him in practice, carried the rushing load Sunday with 85 yards on 16 carries — both season highs — along with his first touchdown run of the season.

The loss of Jones will give more opportunities to Jacquizz Rodgers, who made two key fourth-down receptions on the Bucs’ final touchdown drive, and rookie Shaun Wilson, who has been inactive in the past four games.

Contact Eduardo A. Encina at [email protected] Follow @EddieInTheYard.