Jaguars RB LeQuint Allen (hip) active Week 1

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.

Meyers should be good to go for his team’s Week 2 game against the Broncos. He caught 2-of-2 targets for 40 yards and one touchdown in Week 1 against the Browns, and can be expected to play efficiently again in Week 2, albeit on a potentially stunted workload. The Jaguars field a deep wide receiver corps. Jaguars RB LeQuint Allen (hip) remained limited as well.

LeQuint Allen (hip) was also limited. Both Jags played through their injuries in Week 2, so the limited designations in practice are simply maintenance. Meyers led the team in routes last week and found the end zone on one of his two targets. He will be a fantasy WR4 for Week 2.

Abdullah rotated into the game as the Jaguars’ third running back, showing some burst with 32 yards on four carries. He won’t see enough opportunities to reach fantasy relevancy but will mix in to spell Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez. LeQuint Allen was active but coming off a hip injury, seeing just one snap on the day. As Allen gets healthier, Abdullah could see less opportunities, though neither would be fantasy relevant barring a Tuten or Rodriguez injury.

Allen was expected to take on an expanded receiving role, in addition to his pass-protection duties, but a hip injury has stalled that plan. If active, he is unlikely to do more than help keep QB Trevor Lawrence upright. If he is inactive, the team could employ a committee approach in addressing his vacated duties.

Jaguars coach Liam Coen said yesterday that Allen would be a game-time decision for Week 1 against the Browns. If active, he should handle his typical pass-protection duties. If he is inactive, running backs Ameer Abdullah, Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshull Tuten could all take on a little extra work, though projecting the exact usage is challenging.

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.

Allen’s pass-protection skills have him locked in as the Jaguars’ third-down running back. He played in all 17 games last season, but earned just 11 targets — hardly enough for a PPR-relevant role. Per Shipley, “has gotten more looks in the passing game in training camp this year than he did at this time a year ago.” He adds that it is unclear as to how much more involved Allen will be once the regular season arrives, but he closes by saying that “it does seem like the uptick is about to be very real.” With two other players expected to be involved in the backfield, it could still be tough for Allen to become FLEX-viable, but only time will tell.