With the Jacksonville Jaguars about to embark on the 2026 NFL season, what is the biggest concern surrounding this year's team?
ESPN's Michael DiRocco, who covers the Jaguars, recently answered that question. His pick centered around the running back position and whether or not the duo of Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez can adequately shoulder that workload.
"Travis Etienne Jr.'s departure leaves a big hole, and the Jaguars are betting on Rodriguez and Tuten handling an increased workload and producing at a level higher than each has to this point in their careers," wrote DiRocco.
While Tuten and Rodriguez form a relatively inexperienced duo with fewer than 300 combined career rushes between the two of them, replicating Etienne's production
won't fall on just one player's shoulders -- it will be a group effort.
What the Jaguars like about both of these backs is their ability to create beyond what is made available by the offensive line. This can help generate chunk plays, but also, importantly, making defenders miss can turn a two-yard gain into a five-yard gain, keeping the offense ahead of the sticks.
The duo of Tuten and Rodriguez brings a combination of speed and physicality to the Jaguars' backfield as well.
And not to be overlooked in all of this, but Tuten and Rodriguez finding consistent success begins with the Jaguars' offensive line creating more steady running lanes in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars reporter highlights potential concern for 2026 season
