How the Jaguars 33-Year-Old Running Back Continues to Defy the Odds in 2026
Entering this preseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars had one of the more highly contested running back rooms in the entire league. After losing star rusher Travis Etienne to the New Orleans Saints in free agency, head coach Liam Coen has emphasized making sure the remaining backs know that the starting role is wide open. While second-year athlete Bhayshul Tuten is currently expected to take that starting job, his backup and partner are still up in the air. However, one veteran has made a name for himself this preseason and continues to push against the doubters to make that happen. That would be former Detroit Lions and 12-year NFL veteran Ameer Abdullah.
Abdullah stole the show in the matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Although Jacksonville came away with a loss, the Homewood native rushed six times for 45 yards alongside three receptions for 37 yards. Currently, he’s sitting behind former Commander Chris Rodriguez Jr. as the third-string running back. While some analysts have leaned towards rookie J’Mari Taylor for that third spot after an impressive outing against the Saints and an impressive training camp, Abdullah should have the edge. The former Cornhusker has more league experience and is an elite talent in the return game on special teams. That’s what many forget about Abdullah, as he’s a multi-use player with many talents. In kick returns, the veteran led the league in return yards in 2015 and has a whopping career total of 4346 return yards. If injuries plague the Jaguars, which they already have since backup running back LeQuint Allen may miss the start of the season, Coen should lean towards a veteran presence for replacement.
The Jaguars currently have one preseason game remaining before the start of the 2026 season. Abdullah may need another strong performance to secure his spot on the roster before opening cuts. He has the skill, as shown by an impressive 23-yard run from his own three-yard line against the Panthers. Although the Jaguars like going young, with the top three running backs on the depth chart all being under 26, they may need the veteran presence and leadership to help mature the others. With Allen expected to miss time, the Jaguars are going to need to choose at least one other running back to carry into the regular season, and Abdullah looks to be the perfect piece.
