How the Jaguars Running Back Core Improved Despite Losing Their Star Veteran
The Jacksonville Jaguars' offense will look very different in 2026, particularly their rushing attack. Despite retaining their offensive coordinator, Grant Udinski, the team lost veteran running back Travis Etienne Jr. to the New Orleans Saints in free agency. Etienne rushed for the second-most yards of his career with 1,107 and seven touchdowns. Etienne also had the most receiving touchdowns of his career with six. Entering the offseason knowing Etienne was coming off a strong season and having limited cap space, the Jaguars knew the odds were against them in retaining quarterback Trevor Lawrence's college teammate. However, losing Etienne wasn't a deal breaker for the team. The front office went out and signed former Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. As a backup on the Washington Commanders for three seasons, Rodriguez had 920 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, with six of those in just last season alone.
Pairing Rodriguez with second-year back Bhayshul Tuten should keep fans excited about the offensive capabilities in Duval County. In his rookie campaign, Tuten showed flashes of excellence in the offensive scheme under head coach Liam Coen. He ended up rushing for 307 yards and five touchdowns, alongside two receiving touchdowns. Now that Etienne is gone, expect Tuten to pick up a much larger role in Jacksonville, barring a blockbuster trade or draft selection. The biggest loss in the Jaguars letting Etienne go was his impact on the passing game, as he was an elite receiving back. However, with phenom wide receiver Travis Hunter and tight end Brenton Strange back and healthy, there should be less stress on the backfield to make receptions and more focus on the ground game. Rodriguez and Tuten have the potential to be a one-two punch, forcing themselves through opposing defenses with their physicality.
Rodriguez was one of the most efficient running backs in the league to start 2025, and Coen hopes to pull that strength back out entering 2026. Coen was Rodriguez's offensive coordinator at Kentucky, which makes the reunion that much more special. Expect the veteran to ball out for his former coordinator-turned-head coach, with a lot to prove as a young athlete. On the other hand, Tuten and LeQuint Allen will have to share their snaps alongside the new addition, but will have less stress on their plates to ball out. Allen will likely be the team's primary option during passing plays due to his elite pass-protecting capabilities, while Tuten will share the ground game with Rodriguez. Overall, the running back room has a strong chance to be better than what we saw in 2025.
