SI.com's John Shipley reports that Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten delivered a strong performance in Wednesday's joint practice with the Panthers. His review just might provide worthwhile info about both Tuten and the Jacksonville defense.
What They're Saying: RB, Defense Deserve Attention
Shipley: "I said earlier in the day that I think it was the best practice Bhayshul Tuten has ever had for the Jaguars, at least in terms of training-camp outings. After sitting with the take for a few more hours, I feel even stronger in it, and here is why: [HC] Liam Coen has said all of 2026 that the next step he wants to see Tuten take is to become more of a playmaker and do the things that got him drafted. More big runs, more creating on his own, more everything. On Wednesday, I saw Tuten do that to the greatest extent I have ever seen him do. ... Tuten looked like an absolute star on Wednesday."
QB Trevor Lawrence on the offense's strong rushing performance against Carolina: "I think it's a testament to, one: Our defense is really good against the run, so we're seeing that every day. And sometimes it's like running your head into a brick wall."
Shipley again: "I'll say this about Tuten's camp: The Jaguars' run defense is *really* good."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Upside to Tuten, but Don't Get Carried Away
Let's start with Tuten, who recently got a potential boost in at least early-season work with RB LeQuint Allen's injury.
Tuten heads toward the season as the best bet for fantasy production in Jacksonville's backfield. He's faster than Chris Rodriguez and carries more receiving upside.
So if Tuten's showing out when he gets the chance against other teams, that could lead to more early-season touches. (And this was Tuten's first shot at another team after he sat out the preseason opener.)
Tuten still sits tied for just 26th in our PPR RB rankings, but we'll watch for workload signals. He at least presents upside from that range.
Jacksonville's Run D Might Be a Problem
The other primary factor here: If the Jags play run D as tough as Shipley and Lawrence say, then we might want to be wary of starting some RB against them.
Jacksonville already ranked fourth-toughest in run-defense DVOA last season and yielded the third-fewest PPR points to the position, on a league-low 299 carries faced. And the team did nothing in the offseason to weaken that unit.
So yeah, beware the Jaguars run D early this season. The first three opponents:
- Cleveland
- Denver
- New England
