Playing time is up for grabs for everyone in the backfield this season.

After Travis Etienne Jr. left the Jacksonville Jaguars to join the New Orleans Saints this offseason, the Jags brought in running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., whom they signed away from the Washington Commanders.

Since then, it has been assumed that the battle to become the Jaguars' lead running back in 2026 was a two-man race between Rodriguez and second-year RB Bhayshul Tuten.

Let's not forget about LeQuint Allen Jr., who is also entering his second season with the Jags. Due to his unique skillset, Allen has an opportunity to earn a larger role in 2026.

Allen Jr. might not have the speed that Tuten possesses, and he doesn't have the size of Rodriguez Jr., but he certainly brings a lot to the table.

The Jags' seventh-round pick in 2025 has already become the team's most trusted back in passing situations. Allen excels both as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and, perhaps even more importantly, he is an excellent pass-blocker.

Allen Jr. was drafted out of Syracuse, where he registered 64 receptions and a whopping 20 total touchdowns during his last season. His ability as a weapon in the passing game is what earned him a roster spot on the Jaguars in 2025.

With Etienne gone, more opportunities are available for Allen Jr. to see the field even more in 2026. Tuten and Rodriguez Jr. are both seen as early-down backs. In fact, Rodriguez Jr. only has six total receptions in his three seasons in the NFL. Tuten has not shown much as a receiver and struggles as a blocker, areas he has focused on to improve.

Though Allen Jr. didn't have enough snaps to qualify, he would have been PFF's second-highest graded running back in terms of pass protection.

So far in OTAs, Rodriguez Jr. has been unable to practice due to an undisclosed injury. Though he is expected to be healed in time for training camp, Rodriguez Jr. has been unable to stake his claim for a featured role in Jacksonville's offense, and has lost valuable reps needed to get acclimated to his new team.

In his absence, Allen Jr. has been able to see more action in OTAs. Both Allen and Tuten have split first-team reps so far. As expected, Allen looks very comfortable in his route running and pass-blocking. 

The more time Rodriguez Jr. misses, the more he risks ceding snaps to Allen Jr. once the season begins.

Allen Jr. is already the Jaguars' best running back on passing downs. Now that he is getting an extended look in the running game, he has a chance to prove that he is a complete back.

It is still expected that Tuten, who is Jacksonville's most talented and explosive back, will be the leader of the team's crowded backfield. However, Allen Jr. figures to be a key part of the Jaguars' offense in 2026.

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