After surgical recovery sidelined the star free agent during OTAs, the bruising back should return soon to make his case for lead back duties against surging youngsters Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen.
The Jacksonville Jaguars got some good news about their biggest free agent addition.
According to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union, running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is expected to be a "full-go" for training camp, which begins next month. Rodriguez Jr., who was the Jaguars' most expensive free agent acquisition, has been unable to take the field during Jacksonville's OTA practices.
O'Halloran reports that one of his team sources said Rodriguez Jr. suffered a left foot injury sometime earlier this offseason, which required surgery. The source divulged that the surgery has taken place and that Rodriguez Jr. is "expected" to be healthy in time for training camp.
For a backfield trying to replace Travis Etienne Jr., hearing that Rodriguez Jr. will be ready to practice soon is terrific news. The former Washington Commander is expected to split snaps with second-year RBs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr.
Rodriguez Jr. Falling Behind In RB Battle
Tuten vs Rodriguez Jr. for Jacksonville's number one running back job was one of the Jaguars' most anticipated battles of OTAs. Unfortunately, the foot injury suffered by Rodriguez Jr. made it impossible for the newcomer to stake his claim to be the Jags' lead back.
Not only has Rodriguez Jr. been unable to compete with Tuten, but he is also falling behind Allen Jr. in the battle of RBs. Last year's seventh-round out of Syracuse is already Jacksonville's most trusted back in passing downs, and Allen Jr. is looking to earn an even bigger role with the offense.
The injury to Rodriguez Jr. has resulted in Allen Jr. being able to split time with Tuten with the Jaguars' first-team offense. The more opportunities he gets to prove he is more than just a receiving back, the more Allen Jr. figures to earn snaps over Rodriguez Jr. once the season begins.
Jacksonville has its mandatory minicamp from June 9-11. Without Rodriguez Jr. participating, both Tuten and Allen Jr. will have another chance to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
What Rodriguez Jr. Brings To Jaguars
Rodriguez Jr. brings a totally different kind of running style to the Jaguars than their current stable had to offer. He is a powerful back who has a bruising and physical style of running. Rodriguez Jr. figures to be Jacksonville's best bet in short-yardage situations, as well as the Jaguars' preferred option at the goal line.
His skillet, as well as his familiarity with head coach Liam Coen, who was his offensive coordinator for a season at Kentucky, should provide Rodriguez Jr. with a key role in the offense once he returns. Coen has previously spoken on his fondness of Rodriguez Jr., and why he thinks so highly of him.
"What I always really appreciate about C-Rod when working with him at Kentucky and then following his career over the last few years has been his rushing yards over expected and his yards after contact," Coen said. "I think those are the two areas you look at where you say, did you get more or about what the play was blocked for? And are people bouncing off of you? Do you know how to make people miss? Like how do you make people miss, there's a lot of different ways to do that. And how do you gain yards? There's a lot of different ways to skin that cat."
Final Thoughts
It's apparent that Rodriguez Jr. is nearing a return from his injury. The sooner the better, as he possesses a unique style that separates him from Jacksonville's other backs. If Rodriguez Jr. wants to maximize his role playing time this season, he must prove he can stay on the field.
It looks like the Jaguars won't have to wait much longer to see what their new running back brings to the table.
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