Jacksonville Jaguars’ Running Back Room: A Team Effort for 2026

What’s Happening with the Jaguars’ Running Backs?

Imagine a basketball team where instead of one superstar taking all the shots, five players share the ball equally. That’s exactly what the Jacksonville Jaguars are doing with their running backs (the players who carry the football) for the 2026 season.

After their main starter, Travis Etienne Jr., left to join the New Orleans Saints, the Jaguars didn’t panic. Instead, they built a deep, talented group where everyone contributes. This approach is called "running back by committee" – a fancy phrase that just means "we share the work."

Important Point: The Jaguars have six running backs on their roster, mixing experienced veterans with young talent. Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski says this group is special because every player embraces all parts of the job – not just the glory of scoring touchdowns, but the gritty work of blocking defenders to protect the quarterback.

Meet the Running Back Committee

Here are the six players competing for carries in 2026:

How the Committee Works: A Simple Breakdown

Think of it like a relay race where everyone runs a leg. Here’s how the Jaguars’ approach works:

1. Fresh legs all game – With six capable backs, no one gets worn out
2. Specialized skills – Some excel at power running, others at catching passes, others at blocking
3. Matchup advantage – Coaches can pick the best back for each situation
4. Injury insurance – If one gets hurt, five others are ready
5. Competition breeds excellence – Everyone pushes each other in practice

Key Insight: Tuten and Rodriguez are listed as co-starters on the unofficial preseason depth chart. That means the coaches see them as 1A and 1B – equal partners leading the group.

Bhayshul Tuten: The Emerging Star

Tuten is the face of this new era. As a second-year player, he’s stepping into a much bigger role. Here’s what makes him special:

• Explosive speed – Can turn any play into a long touchdown ("home-run runs")
• Great vision – Sees holes in the defense before they open
• Improved blocker – Worked hard in the offseason to protect the quarterback
• Team-first mindset – Welcomed new teammate Rodriguez "with open arms"

Tuten’s 2026 goal: "Just keep building on who I am, my brand and the way I play."

What the Coaches Are Saying

Grant Udinski (Offensive Coordinator)

"They’ve kind of been by committee in the run game. It’s the same thing in the pass game whether it’s third down or it’s two minutes, second and long. I think all of them have ability and value to add."

"We know that the protection aspect is a little less glorious than going out there and running for a touchdown. It’s exciting to have that group of guys who are hard-nosed and willing to go in there and block a linebacker or a defensive end."

On Tuten: "He’s really explosive with great vision inside… the steps he’s taken in protection this offseason have been great… I think he can do more and more."

Tuten on Rodriguez

"He came in, we welcomed him with open arms, and he’s hitting the ground running, learning as much as he can and he’s a great character overall. Coach Liam Coen does a good job of bringing the right guys in."

Bonus: Quarterback Update – Carter Bradley

While the running backs steal the spotlight, quarterback Carter Bradley (the player who throws the ball) also had a big moment. In the first preseason game against the Saints:

• Completed 10 of 17 passes for 105 yards
• Threw 1 touchdown and 1 interception
• Struggled in first half, but responded well in second half

Udinski: "Until you’re really going to get hit by a defensive end… it’s not the real thing. It’s not truly full speed until you get there in that preseason game. So, it was great to see him go out there… he responded, came out well and played in the second half."

Summary

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter 2026 with a unique, balanced running back room built on teamwork over stardom. After losing their featured back Travis Etienne Jr., they’ve assembled six players who:

• Share the workload equally ("by committee")
• Excel in all roles – running, catching, and blocking
• Mix veteran wisdom (Abdullah, Dallas) with youthful energy (Tuten, Rodriguez, Allen, Taylor)
• Are led by emerging star Bhayshul Tuten and free-agent addition Chris Rodriguez Jr. as co-starters
• Embrace the "unglorious" work of pass protection

Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski calls this group’s versatility "a unique aspect of that room." If the committee approach works, the Jaguars’ offense could be unpredictable, fresh, and dangerous all season long.

FAQ

Q: What does "running back by committee" mean?
A: It means the team uses multiple running backs instead of relying on one star player. Think of it like sharing pizza slices among friends – everyone gets a piece, and no one gets too full.

Q: Why did the Jaguars lose Travis Etienne Jr.?
A: He became a free agent (a player whose contract ended) and chose to sign with the New Orleans Saints. This happens often in the NFL – players move teams for better contracts or opportunities.

Q: What’s a "depth chart"?
A: It’s the coaching staff’s ranking of players at each position. "Co-starters" means Tuten and Rodriguez are considered equal #1 options. The unofficial preseason depth chart is the first guess before real games start.

Q: Why is blocking important for running backs?
A: When the quarterback throws the ball, defenders try to tackle him. Running backs stay back to block (stop) those defenders. It’s not flashy, but without it, the quarterback gets crushed!

Q: What’s the difference between a draft pick and a free agent?
A: Draft picks are college players selected by teams in an annual event. Free agents are players with expired contracts who can sign with any team. Rodriguez was a free agent; Tuten and Allen were draft picks.