The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a calculated risk with their running back room as they try to defend their AFC South title in 2026, believing they can replicate the production Travis Etienne Jr. provided last year in the aggregate with a three-headed monster of 2025 fourth-round pick Bhayshul Tuten, Day 3 standout LeQuint Allen, and free agent signing Chris Rodriguez.
Even though head coach Liam Coen has signaled that all three backs will have a responsibility in the offense, Tuten appears to be the top dog. Allen and Rodriguez, who is already starting from behind after missing most of Jacksonville's offseason workouts, may be in for more of a shared workload than many assumed.
According to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated, Allen is "set to play a healthy amount of third-down and two-minute snaps for the Jaguars at running back" thanks to his blocking ability. Shipley also added that Allen has made strides as a pass-catcher. With Rodriguez bringing a whopping six career receptions to the party, Allen could pilfer some snaps away.
Jaguars' LeQuint Allen could beat out Chris Rodriguez for snaps
Allen's 148 yards from scrimmage won't blow anyone away, but the former seventh-round pick managed to carve out a role as both a core special teamer and a promising third-down back. Even at barely over 200 pounds, Allen's strong blocking and fierce style of play made him a fan favorite in Jacksonville.
Tuten may start the year as the nominal RB1, but given his lack of efficiency, he won't be used like an Etienne-esque bell cow. Snaps will be there, and Rodriguez's 4.6 yards per carry in three seasons with the Washington Commanders certainly brings some appeal to the party, but will it be enough?
With a 47.7 PFF pass blocking grade and receiving production that looks more like that of a third-string tight end than a backup running back, Rodriguez's ability to push the pile as a north-south runner may not be enough to beat out Allen. Jacksonville likely didn't invest heavily in their RB room from a financial perspective because of their belief in Tuten and Allen replicating their rookie seasons.
Liam Coen's offense has proven to be a major shot in the arm for running backs like Travis Etienne and Rachaad White in Tampa Bay, and Chris Rodriguez could be the next recipient of those improvements. However, if Tuten proves to be a viable starter, LeQuint Allen's role playing skills could force Rodriguez to ride the pine.
