Jaguars RB Fournette says hamstring is improving

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette said he is making strides in his recovery from a right hamstring injury and feels he has a solid chance of playing against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette said he is making strides in his recovery from a right hamstring injury and feels he has a solid chance of playing against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Fournette missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday but didn't experience any issues with the hamstring while running on the side.

"It feels good so that's progress," Fournette told reporters. "We'll see. It's a game-time decision. ... I like my chances more and more as the day has gone on."

Fournette suffered the injury during the season-opening victory over the New York Giants. He said he felt the hamstring pop when he planted his right leg after catching a screen pass.

Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said Wednesday that the plan is to have Fournette test the hamstring on Friday as the team tries to assess the chances of having the star back against the Patriots.

Fournette certainly doesn't want to miss the contest, which is a rematch of last season's AFC Championship Game won by New England.

"Any person would give anything to play, especially it's a great football team we're going against. Just have to see," Fournette said. "My main focus is to strengthen it back up, get the swelling or whatever that is in there, and come out Sunday and play."

Marrone said earlier in the week that he was comfortable with Fournette playing even if he didn't practice. Fournette has a similar mindset.

"Even when I'm not practicing I'm still in the film every morning, going over things," Fournette said. "In the evening, I'm doing therapy and stuff, going over plays, running stuff like that."

Fournette rushed for 41 yards on nine carries prior to the injury.

T.J. Yeldon will start if Fournette can't play.