Coach calls Gio 'every-down' back

Bengals RBs coach Hue Jackson told the team website that rookie RB Giovani Bernard "has that skill set where I think he could play and be an every-down player.”  Jackson said the team was looking for a back who could do everything: run, catch and pass-block.  He said the 2nd-round pick fits that mold.  As the 1st RB selected in April's draft, Bernard obviously ranks among the class' most talented backs.  He also brings as high a fantasy ceiling as anyone in the group.  We wouldn't be surprised to see him outscore teammate BenJarvus Green-Ellis this season.  Click on over to our 2013 fantasy football rankings to see how we project both Bengals.

The Buccaneers have designated RB Giovani Bernard to return from IR. Bernard has been out since suffering a Week 2 ankle injury. There's now a 3-week window to return him to the active roster -- or rule him out for the season. It might not matter for fantasy purposes. Bernard played 0 offensive snaps through the season's 1st 2 weeks.

The Bucs placed RB Gio Bernard (ankle) on IR, knocking him out for at least 4 games. He's been active the first 2 weeks but hasn't played a snap on offense. RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn figures to take over that role while Bernard is out. Leonard Fournette and Rachaad White are locked in as Tampa's top 2 RBs.

Bucs RB Gio Bernard was knocked out of Saturday's preseason opener with an ankle injury. With RB Leonard Fournette sitting, Bernard drew the start over RBs Rachaad White and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. We'll see about the severity of the ankle injury.

RB Giovani Bernard is re-signing with the Buccaneers on a 1-year deal for the "veteran salary benefit," according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. That means just less than $1.3 million for the 10th-year veteran. Bernard carried just 8 times while adding 29 targets over 12 regular-season games last year, losing 4 to hip and knee injuries late in the season. He's expected to work behind Leonard Fournette and Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the depth chart.

Bucs RB Gio Bernard (knee, hip) is active for today's Wild Card game vs. the Eagles. It'll be his first action since Week 14. Bernard is joined in the backfield by Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Le'Veon Bell. Vaughn figures to lead in carries, with Bernard and Bell handling the bulk of the passing-game work.