The Jacksonville Jaguars had a pair of talented running backs in Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne last year, but that didn't stop them from using a fourth-round pick on Bhayshul Tuten in the 2025 NFL Draft. Fast forward to Week 2 of the preseason, and the decision looks great in hindsight.
Although Tuten didn't start against the New Orleans Saints, he made the most of his chances, toting the rock 10 times for 35 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Motion via Irwin & the pull from Mundt clears the way for @bhayshul 🤌#JAXvsNO on CBS47 pic.twitter.com/Js4GEOgkyY
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 17, 2025
The former Virginia Tech Hokie also made a trip to the end zone in the preseason, so he could end up earning a role as a goal-line back.
Of course, the Jags probably wouldn't want to limit Tuten to end-zone opportunities. After all, he's got top-end speed — he posted the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs at the NFL Scouting Combine — but they also have Bigsby and Etienne in the fold. And that's the thing.
Both Bigsby and Etienne have shown the capability to carry a big workload, so the coaching staff may not want to keep them on the sidelines for too long. It's worth noting that Jacksonville wasn't reportedly sold on either one early in the offseason, but it looks like the team has changed its stance on them the past few months.
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Bhayshul Tuten may or may not have a featured role with the Jaguars in 2025
Bhayshul Tuten showed the ability to break off big runs in training camp and has looked good in both preseason outings. Moreover, the Paulsboro, New Jersey native has seemingly fixed the fumble issues that plagued him in his last two collegiate seasons. Aside from a blunder early in rookie minicamp, he's done a good job of holding onto the football. But as encouraging as he's been, he may not have a clear path to the starting lineup.
Although Travis Etienne has started both of the Jaguars' preseason games, Tank Bigsby got the lion's share of the carries throughout training camp. Maybe Jacksonville is trying to show Etienne to increase his trade value, but there's an equal chance they simply think his the best of the three.
It's also possible that the Jaguars don't want to reveal how their depth chart will look come Week 1, but even if that's the case, it's hard to see Tuten moving from No. 3 to the top.
Having said that, Bhayshul Tuten has done enough throughout the preseason to make you think that he could start for the Jaguars at some point in 2025. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but he's certainly done enough to help his case.
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