Following Travis Etienne Jr.’s departure, coach Chad Morton is challenging a competitive young backfield to outshine their former star and redefine Jacksonville’s ground game through sheer production.
The Jacksonville Jaguars' running backs are on a mission this season.
Not just to replace Jacksonville's former RB, Travis Etienne Jr., who left as a free agent to join the New Orleans Saints, but to make people forget about him and his time in Jacksonville.
At least, that's what Jaguars RB coach Chad Morton told Etienne when he left.
During an appearance on the 1010XL Jaguars YouTube Channel as part of a Coaching Roundtable, Morton talked about his reaction when he found out that Etienne was signing with the Saints. His message for Etienne?
"We're going to do better than you. That's our goal. I told him that. We're gonna try to put up better numbers than you. Have more success. Out-rush you. That's just how we are. All competitive. But, like, that's the fun part. Having a new group. Oh yeah. We're trying to crush you. We're trying to have people forget about you."
Unproven Backs Have A Chance To Step Up
Without Etienne, Jacksonville now has three largely unproven backs that now have a chance to step up. Although all three are talented, and each brings something different to the backfield, the 2026 season will be the biggest opportunity they have had in their NFL careers.
Bhayshul Tuten should be the biggest beneficiary of Etienne's absence. A fourth-round pick in 2025, Tuten ran for 307 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. Now he has the chance to prove himself as the Jaguars' lead back, and he has looked the part thus far in the offseason program.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was Jacksonville's biggest (and only) free agent acquisition this offseason. Coming off a season with the Washington Commanders in which he rushed for an even 500 yards and six TDs, Rodriguez was expected to compete in a heated battle with Tuten to be the Jaguars' RB1 this season.
Unfortunately, Rodriguez has been sidelined during OTAs and minicamp with a foot injury that required surgery, causing him to fall far behind Tuten for the top spot. However, he is expected to be a "full-go" for training camp, where he will get to showcase his powerful running style.
Another second-year back, LeQuint Allen Jr., has also had a chance to shine in the absence of Etienne (and Rodriguez Jr.). A seventh-round pick from Syracuse in 2025, Allen Jr. is already Jacksonville's best receiving threat and pass-blocker in the backfield. He has an opportunity to earn a bigger role in 2026 and is taking advantage of the extra work he has gotten in practice.
Final Thoughts
It will be difficult for the Jaguars to forget about Travis Etienne Jr., whose bounce-back 2025 season was a big part of the offense's success. Etienne and Trevor Lawrence have been teammates since both starred in college at Clemson, so Lawrence will no longer have that kind of familiarity with any of his backs.
However, Jacksonville is fortunate to have three running backs who can all play a part in replacing Etienne's production. Tuten has blazing speed and is explosive. Rodriguez Jr. is a physical and bruising back, while Allen Jr. is a dangerous weapon in the passing game.
The Jaguars running back room is still in great hands and has the potential for a breakout year in 2026.
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