The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off their best season in decades, finishing 13-4 and winning their first AFC South title since 2022. But they'll have to replace a major piece of that offense after Travis Etienne Jr. joined for the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns last season while adding 292 receiving yards and six receiving scores.
That leaves a significant void in Jacksonville's backfield, and second-year running back LeQuint Allen Jr. appeared to be in line for a more meaningful role. Unfortunately, his chance to make a late push for more work has been interrupted by an injury. Allen suffered a soft-tissue injury during Monday's practice and will now miss the remainder of training camp, according to reports.
It's also unclear whether he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. More news: Jets Get Clarity on Breece Hall’s Injury Status After Scare in Practice More news: Bears Dealt Nasty Blow as Kyle Monangai’s Injury Timeline Looms Over Season The timing is particularly frustrating for Allen. A seventh-round pick at No. 236 overall in 2025, he saw limited action as a rookie, rushing for 94 yards on 23 carries while catching 10 passes for 54 yards.
His value, however, extends beyond his rushing production. Allen has emerged as a natural receiving back and a capable pass protector, making him a useful complement in an offense that will need to replace Etienne's all-around production. The Jaguars entered camp with Bhayshul Tuten and free-agent addition Chris Rodriguez Jr. competing for the lead role, while Allen was expected to handle some of the passing-down work.
But Tuten now has an even bigger opportunity to separate himself from the pack. The 2025 fourth-round pick showed flashes as a rookie, rushing for 307 yards and five touchdowns on 83 carries while adding 10 receptions for 79 yards and two receiving scores. Head coach Liam Coen has already said he expects Tuten to have a big year in his second season.
With Allen sidelined, Tuten could see additional opportunities during the final stretch of the preseason. Jacksonville faces the Carolina Panthers on Friday before closing out the preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, Aug. 28. More news: Falcons Get Michael Penix Jr Update as Tua Tagovailoa’s Debut Raises Questions
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