Jaguars Predicted to Keep Only 3 Running Backs on 53–Man Roster
· Yahoo Sports
When the Jacksonville Jaguars begin training camp in a little more than two weeks, many eyes will be focused on the running backs.
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We will finally get to see Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacksonville's biggest free agent signing, in action. He is expected to be fully healthy after missing OTAs and minicamp due to a foot injury that required surgery. Rodriguez was expected to compete with Bhayshul Tuten to be the team's top RB this season, but has been unable to see the field.
Speaking of Tuten, the second-year speedster has looked impressive so far in off-season practices. Will he continue making the most of his opportunities? Or will he allow Rodriguez to catch up?
Along with another second-year back, LeQuint Allen Jr., the top-3 of Jacksonville's backfield is set.
Will any of the other RBs on the roster do enough in camp to convince the Jags to go into the season with a fourth?
Even though the team kept four RBs on the 53-man roster for much of last season, Paul Bretl of Jaguars Wire doesn't believe that will happen again, predicting the Jaguars will only keep three running backs this year.
Do Any Of The Other RBs Have A Shot?In addition to the top trio, the Jaguars also have veterans Ameer Abdullah and DeeJay Dallas as well as undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor. Do any of them have a shot at making the team?
As of now, Bretl believes that the roster spot would be better spent elsewhere.
"Until we see more from Dallas, Abdullah, and Taylor this summer, my prediction is that the Jaguars keep three running backs. By keeping four, that requires Jacksonville to go lighter at another position group. And as we saw last season, having four running backs on the roster doesn't mean that all four are active on Sundays. That fourth back is more likely than not going to be inactive on game days. So, in short, I think that roster spot can be better utilized elsewhere."
While it's hard to argue with Bretl's logic, it is certainly possible that at least one of Jacksonville's other backs can earn a roster spot with a strong training camp and preseason.
Either Abdullah or Dallas can bring a veteran presence to what is shaping up to be a very young RB room. Both Tuten and Allen are only entering their second seasons, while Rodriguez has three seasons under his belt.
Taylor has looked good in practices so far. He has turned some heads and taken advantage of the extra opportunities he has gotten with Rodriguez unavailable.
He is still a long-shot to make the team, but should be a lock for the practice squad.
Final ThoughtsIt would probably make the team stronger, as Bretl says, to use a roster spot at another position over a fourth running back.
Teams can never have enough depth along the offensive and defensive lines, so I would expect the Jaguars to keep an extra lineman over an extra back.
If Taylor makes it to the PS, he can be called up if needed.
However, Jacksonville's running backs will have a lot of attention being paid to them over the next few weeks. Perhaps one of Taylor, Abdullah, or Dallas will surprise everyone and convince the team to roll into the season with four running backs.
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