Jaguars RB Chris Rodriguez has participated in individual drills early in training camp, according to John Oehser of the team's official site. Rodriguez missed much of the offseason program with a foot injury and doesn't sound back to 100% yet, though he plans to be ready for Week 1. RB Bhayshul Tuten, meanwhile, has been the star of camp so far. "Tuten's terrific practice performances have simply been a consistent part of the Jaguars' offseason practices and early days of training camp," Sports Illustrated's John Shipley wrote.
What They're Saying
Rodriguez: "The plan is to be back for Week 1. We're going to take it step by step."
HC Liam Coen on Rodriguez: "We're trying to get him back, without any sort of hiccups or bumps. And it was great to just see him back out, like, taking handoffs. Chris, what he brings to this team, I don't think any of us are going to see throughout the entire training camp, honestly. Until we play tackle football, it's going to be very difficult for all of us here to gain a true appreciation for who he is and what he does."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: The Battle is Tilting Tuten's Way
It's been clear all offseason that Coen, who coached Rodriguez at Kentucky back in 2021, has an affinity for the free-agent acquisition.
But it's also clear that Tuten has built some serious momentum this offseason. HC Liam Coen said just before camp opened that Tuten had taken a big step from his rookie year.
“His yards after contact and rushing yards, man, when he can get going and get downhill ... I mean, he was 4.28 coming out. He can fly," Coen said on The Schrager Hour. "He was so conscientious about ball security last year, and doing right. Ok, now, Tuten, you got it, you understand it more, now just go be you. Like, go do what got you here, go be special, that’s who you are, and we’re definitely expecting Tuten to have a big year for us.”
We'll see when Rodriguez is cleared for full-team work and whether he can push back in this battle for playing time. But, as it stands now, Tuten looks like the favorite to open the season as Jacksonville's lead back.
He's not cheap in fantasy drafts, but Tuten certainly has the upside to beat his late-fifth-round, RB25 ADP.
