Jags beat predicts even split of RB duties

Rodriguez remained the second option in the Jaguars backfield behind Bhayshul Tuten, but stole a short score from Tuten in the blowout victory. Through three games Rodriguez has been a between the tackles option who has next to no involvement in the passing game. He would only be fantasy viable if Tuten misses time this season. For now C-Rod is a decent stash as a contingency option.

Tuten has taken control of the Jaguars backfield over the past couple weeks. Against the Patriots he out-carried Chris Rodriguez 15 to eight, with much of Rodriguez’s opportunity coming after the game had been decided. Tuten split pass-catching duties with LeQuint Allen, who also had two grabs on the day. Tuten probably won’t be a 20-touch back most weeks, but he should be a solid RB2 option going forward, including in Week 4 against the Bengals.

Tuten more than doubled the workload of Chris Rodriguez, who had six rushes for 13 yards and did not record a reception. Tuten looked like the far more explosive backfield option for the Jags. He nearly broke a couple big runs and had one long carry called back on a penalty. Last week Tuten had 88 total yards against the Browns. The second-year back is looking more reliable as a fantasy option in what was regarded as a shaky situation ahead of the season. He should be seen as a top-24 play in Week 3 against the Patriots.

Allen played on just one offensive snap in last week’s win over the Browns, but led the Jaguars in third-down snaps (146) last season. Despite all the snaps he saw on third down as a rookie, Allen never materialized into a viable fantasy option. Whether or not that changes this season is to be determined, but any additional snaps he receives on third down would come at the expense of Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez, after Rodriguez led the way with five third-down snaps last week. While Allen seeing additional work in these situations could be problematic for fantasy managers, they shouldn’t let that deter them from starting Tuten in Week 2 against the Broncos.

Rodriguez was the Jaguars’ second running back in the game, but equaled Bhayshul Tuten’s touches on the first drive. He was used both in the red zone and short-yardage situations early on; Rodriguez tied for the lead in backfield snaps in the first half. The game was out of reach in the second half, with Ameer Abdullah taking on garbage time carries and Rodriguez finishing the game second in backfield snaps. Fantasy managers will like the high-leverage utilization but a lack of receiving upside caps Rodriguez’ ceiling. He is firmly in the RB4 range for Week 2 against the Broncos.

Tuten started the game for the Jaguars, getting the first two carries of the game. His utilization was mixed, tying Chris Rodriguez for snaps in the first half. Tuten was rotated out for early red zone and short-yardage snaps, though he saw some of those opportunities later in the game. He held up well in pass-protection and took a screen pass 22 yards for his first reception. With the game out of hand in the second half, Tuten ultimately saw the highest snaps out of the backfield, tallying 28 on the day. He showed good burst and the ability to fight through contact, but Rodriguez will continue to be a thorn in his side for utilization. Tuten profiles as a high-end RB3 for Week 2 against the Broncos.

As expected, Allen did not practice Wednesday. It’s not that fantasy managers were eager to start Allen this week, but his absence would open up more routes and potential targets for Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez, who are listed as co-starters on Jacksonville’s Week 1 depth chart. Both C-Rod and Tuten would be slightly better options if Allen is sidelined this weekend.

Coen talked up Ameer Abdullah as a potential replacement for Allen’s duties in pass protection. He also singled out Chris Rodriguez’s abilities in pass pro. Pass protection duties aren’t a direct source of fantasy value, but it usually means that player will be on the field for the two-minute drill, which can generate plenty of receptions for running backs. Bhayshul Tuten not getting those reps would be a notable ding to his fantasy outlook. Allen himself isn’t on the fantasy radar, healthy or not.

Allen suffered a soft tissue injury during Monday’s practice and the Jaguars announced Tuesday morning that he’ll miss the rest of training camp. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season. While Allen doesn’t have standalone fantasy value, he seemed destined for a legitimate role as the primary receiving back in this offense. If Allen misses time in the regular season, it would boost receiving opportunities for Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez.

Coen discussed both RB Bhayshul Tuten and RB Chris Rodriguez during his presser. Regarding Tuten, Coen said the second-year back has shown that he has “bought in” over the past year, and complimented his ability to take “hard coaching” while noting his 4.28-second 40 speed. Coen adds that Tuten has to continue working on making his reads and not overthinking things. Regarding Rodriguez, Coen complimented his recent downhill running and blitz pickups. Coen loves consistency at the running back position. This looks like it will be a committee to start the year. That said, if one player separates, things can change quickly. Tuten remains the high-upside pick, although Rodriguez can be productive in his own right.