Despite losing Travis Etienne in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars should maintain a balance rushing attack. Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten each bring different running styles to the backfield.
The Jacksonville Jaguars' passing game is expected to be explosive, with young talent littered throughout the receiving corps.
But, the backfield does have some question marks.
With Travis Etienne signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency, and second-year tailback Bhayshul Tuten stepping into a larger role, the run game may take some time to get going.
But, offensive coordinator Grant Udinski is feeling confident, saying that Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are starting to "hit their groove" as the season approaches.
Udinski says he has been telling the tandem to play freely, and let the game come to them.
While replicating the success Etienne had in Jacksonville is a lofty goal, Rodriguez and Tuten should be a solid 1-2 punch in the backfield.
Tuten was Jacksonville's fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and displayed some flashes of brilliance when his number was called.
The former Virginia Tech standout recorded 83 carries for 307 yards and five touchdowns, adding 14 receptions for 79 yards and two additional scores.
He has breakneck speed, while providing receiving upside for starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Tuten's top performance of the regular season came in Jacksonville's dominant 35-6 showing against the Los Angeles Chargers, notching 74 yards and a score.
The Jaguars' rushing attack was on fire all day long, with Etienne adding two touchdowns and Lawrence scampering in to the endzone.
He also had a good game in Jacksonville's lone playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, using his four carries to generate 51 yards (12.8 YPC).
Rodriguez is entering his first year in Duval, but has experience with head coach Liam Coen dating back to his time at Kentucky.
"I know Liam and he knows me. And I know the type of standard he expects and I feel like we can get that done..." Rodriguez said after signing. "When Liam got to Kentucky, he had to be one of my favorite coaches up until that point... I guess you you could say it was only a year, but man, it felt like a lifetime knowing that guy, you know."
Last season, Rodriguez recorded career highs in rushing yards (500) and touchdowns (6), serving as the Washington Commanders' third down and short yardage back.
He also showed great contact balance, ranking eighth in the league last year in average yards after contact with 3.46.
Rodriguez has talked about serving as a mentor for Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., saying that he's happy to answer any questions the young backs have.
With Rodriguez's physical running style and Tuten's speed and agility, the two compliment each other well and should be dynamic this upcoming season.
