Injuries are aplenty on "Thursday Night Football" in Week 9.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens were set to clash in a battle between AFC heavyweights. Instead, this is shaping up to be a battle of attrition.
Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are both out, meaning the Ravens are turning to an undrafted rookie quarterback out of UConn, Joe Fagnano, to start against the Jaguars. It leaves Baltimore's hopes of contending on life support, but it's certainly not alone.
Jacksonville, to a lesser degree, is also battling some injury woes ahead of the primetime contest. Bhayshul Tuten suffered an ankle injury in the Jaguars' Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts. While the second-year back eventually returned, the quick turnaround to Week 9 leaves
his availability in question.
So will Tuten play or is someone else going to be forced to step up in the Jacksonville backfield? Here's the latest on Tuten ahead of "Thursday Night Football."
Is Bhayshul Tuten playing tonight?
Tuten is a game-time decision for "Thursday Night Football" with foot and ankle injuries, according to Jaguars head coach Liam Coen.
The running back exited briefly early in the Jaguars' Week 8 win but returned and played through the injuries. And he did so by playing his best game of the season, totaling 104 rushing yards, 55 receiving yards and two total touchdowns.
Tuten didn't participate in practice on Monday or Tuesday, but Coen expected him to "do something" on Wednesday. The coach noted that Tuten feels better, but the expectation remains that his status won't be determined until right before the game.
That means the running back's official status might not be known until 90 minutes before kickoff, when inactive reports are due.
If Tuten can't play or is limited in any way, Chris Rodriguez Jr. would handle the bulk of the workload at running back.
Should I start Bhayshul Tuten in fantasy?
If Tuten is available, then he should be in your lineup.
He is coming off his best game of the season, showing no signs of being impacted by the injury he suffered during the game.
The Ravens defense has allowed a touchdown to an opposing running back in three straight weeks, which only gets a boost when you look at the reality of Baltimore's situation. Jacksonville could benefit from short fields if Fagnano turns the ball over, setting Tuten up for some scoring opportunities.
At the very least, the Jaguars figure to have a favorable game script. If the visitors are playing with a lead, expect them to run the ball a bunch in Baltimore.
Jaguars RB depth chart
- Bhayshul Tuten (game-time decision)
- Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- LeQuint Allen Jr.
- Ameer Abdullah
Rodriguez is no stranger to the starting running back job, a role he previously held with the Washington Commanders. He took over for Tuten when the starter exited briefly in Week 8, posting six carries for 41 yards and a touchdown. The veteran also added one catch for 17 yards.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Bhayshul Tuten playing today? Latest on Jaguars RB status ahead 'TNF'
