The Baltimore Ravens could gain a significant defensive advantage Thursday night if Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten can't play in their Week 9 matchup at M&T Bank Stadium. Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen indicated Wednesday that Tuten could be a game-time decision because of ankle and foot injuries, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. The second-year running back did not participate in the Jaguars' first two practices of the week, creating uncertainty about his availability.
Tuten has emerged as one of Jacksonville's most productive offensive weapons, rushing for 492 yards and three touchdowns while adding 181 receiving yards and three scores. The former Virginia Tech standout is coming off a 159-yard performance against Indianapolis,
helping Jacksonville cruise to a 42-7 victory. His potential absence could significantly impact Baltimore's defensive game plan.
Here are three ways the Ravens could benefit if Tuten cannot play.
1. Baltimore could eliminate one of Jacksonville's explosive weapons
Tuten's ability to generate explosive plays has made him one of the Jaguars' most dangerous offensive threats.
Against Indianapolis, he rushed for 104 yards on 16 carries, including a 39-yard touchdown run. He also caught a 25-yard touchdown pass, demonstrating the versatility that has made him an important part of Coen's offense.
Baltimore has struggled to consistently limit explosive plays this season, and Tuten's combination of speed and acceleration would create another challenge for defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. If Tuten is unavailable, the Ravens could focus more on Jacksonville's other offensive threats without worrying as much about his ability to turn an ordinary rushing attempt into a big gain.
The Jaguars would still have capable alternatives, but Tuten's absence could eliminate an important element of their offensive explosiveness.
2. Ravens could have an easier time controlling early downs
Jacksonville's running game has balanced quarterback Trevor Lawrence and helped create manageable passing situations. Tuten is averaging 4.5 yards per carry this season, providing consistent production while also threatening opposing defenses with explosive runs.
Without him, Jacksonville could rely more heavily on Chris Rodriguez Jr., who has also been dealing with a hand injury.
LeQuint Allen Jr. and Ameer Abdullah provide additional depth, but Tuten's potential absence would force Jacksonville to reconsider how it distributes its backfield workload.
For Baltimore, limiting early-down rushing production would create more obvious passing situations and give them more opportunities to pressure Lawrence.
The Ravens cannot assume Jacksonville's ground game will disappear, but removing Tuten from the equation could make the offense less dynamic.
3. Anthony Weaver could devote more resources to containing Lawrence
Lawrence has been productive in Coen's offense, entering Thursday with 1,690 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Jacksonville's ability to create balance between the running and passing games has made the offense difficult to defend. Tuten's availability is an important part of that equation because he can contribute as both a runner and a receiver.
If Tuten cannot play, Weaver could have greater flexibility to adjust coverage responsibilities and pressure packages.
Baltimore would still need to respect Jacksonville's remaining running backs, especially with veteran guard Ezra Cleveland expected to play despite knee and ankle injuries. However, removing one of the Jaguars' top offensive weapons could allow the Ravens to focus more attention on Lawrence and Jacksonville's receiving threats.
Baltimore enters Thursday at 4-4 after three consecutive losses, making every defensive advantage important. With rookie Joe Fagnano preparing for his first NFL start, the Ravens need their defense to limit Jacksonville's scoring opportunities and create favorable field position. Tuten's absence would not guarantee a Baltimore victory, but it could remove one of the Jaguars' most dangerous players from a matchup the Ravens desperately need to win.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Three ways Ravens benefit if Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten can't play
