Undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor and veteran Ameer Abdullah battle for a roster spot after each has turned in an impressive preseason performance.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have played two preseason games so far, with a different running back leading the offense in each one.
In the preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor was the team's workhorse, carrying the ball 22 times for 78 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Taylor was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal offensive performance, fueling the Jaguars' 24-20 come-from-behind victory.
After being the focal point of the offense against the Saints, Taylor took a backseat in Friday night's 34-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The rookie didn't touch the ball until well into the third quarter and finished with four carries for only three yards. He added one reception for four yards.
The running back who stole the show against Carolina was 33-year-old Ameer Abdullah, who is entering his 12th season in the NFL. After not playing in Jacksonville's preseason opener, Abdullah was the offensive spark plug against the Panthers.
He would end the night with six carries for 45 yards, including a 23-yard run from his own three-yard-line, made possible by a slick cutback. Abdullah was also a weapon in the passing game, hauling in three of four targets for an additional 37 yards.
After the Saints' game, Taylor looked like a strong bet to make the 53-man roster.
After the Panthers' game, that spot looks like it may go to Abdullah.
With third-down RB LeQuint Allen Jr. out for the remainder of the preseason, and possibly into the regular season, the competition behind Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. has taken on new significance.
Assuming Allen begins the season on the active roster and not on any injury list, that likely leaves only one roster spot for either Taylor or Abdullah.
Who has the edge?
The Case For Taylor
Taylor is only a 24-year-old rookie, so his entire NFL future is in front of him. He has plenty of ability to play on special teams, which is critical for any reserve hoping to make the team.
Against New Orleans, Taylor showed he can handle the workload of a featured back throughout an entire game. He grinded out tough yards and kept the chains moving all night. Without Taylor's performance, the Jaguars would have had zero chance of winning the game.
Taylor has also flashed some receiving ability in college. His usage as a pass-catcher out of the backfield increased each year in college, with a career high of 43 receptions in 2025 during his lone season at Virginia.
The rookie has created buzz all offseason, and his game tape against the Saints will certainly get noticed across the entire NFL. If Jacksonville cuts him, another team may file a waiver claim for Taylor before putting him on the practice squad.
The Case For Abdullah
Like Taylor, Abdullah is also a beast on special teams. He can be a core special teams player and has extensive experience as a primary kickoff returner, racking up over 4,300 return yards during his career.
Abdullah has a ton of experience. While he doesn't have the youth that Taylor provides, the Jaguars may benefit from having a wily veteran in the running back room. LeQuint Allen is only 22. Tuten is 23, and Rodriguez Jr. is 26. Abdullah's experience and leadership could prove useful in the development of the three young backs.
He is also a proven threat as a receiver, a role that he has flourished in over the past few seasons. Though not the pass-blocker Allen is, Abdullah is probably a better match for Allen's skill set. If the second-year back is forced to miss time in the regular season, Abdullah is a natural fit to assume his role.
Final Thoughts
The decision between Taylor and Abdullah will likely come down to whether Jacksonville values Taylor's youth and upside or Abdullah's experience more.
Both backs could be poached away if cut by the Jaguars.
The final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be the deciding factor in which back breaks camp with the team. Both RBs should get a lot of work in as the coaching staff makes its choice.
I believe Taylor has the edge, albeit a small one. I think his youth will win out, and believe he is the bigger risk to lose to a waiver claim.
However, Abdullah has shown that he still has plenty left in the tank and is a better one-for-one replacement for the injured Allen.
The competition between Taylor and Abdullah should go down to the wire and will be one of the most fun to watch for the remainder of the preseason.
