Jaguars Preseason 2019: Changes made at running back

The Jaguars have released veteran running back Benny Cunningham because of a hamstring injury.

The Jacksonville Jaguars running back room just got a little smaller. Among the many moves, the team announced on Sunday was the release of Benny Cunningham via an injury settlement.

Cunningham, who the team signed as a free agent in March has been dealing with a hamstring injury. The move also means the first three running backs on the depth chart are set. Leonard Fournette will remain the team’s starter with Alfred Blue as his primary backup.

Blue was also signed in free agency after spending his first five seasons on his career with the Houston Texans. He was the running back at LSU prior to Fournette’s arrival in Baton Rouge.

Rookie Ryquell Armstead will be the third back in the rotation and continues to garner praise from the coaching staff for his efforts from Thursday night.

The Jaguars hope to use the running back more this season than in 2018. Injuries hurt the group’s production in 2018, with Fournette missing a total of eight games and Corey Grant, who is no longer on the roster, going down in Week 5. There is more emphasis on the backs being part of the passing game as well, something both offensive coordinator John DeFilippo and quarterback Nick Foles have stressed in camp.

DeFillippo mentioned how he has been pleased with Fournette’s progression with the offense when he met with the media over a week ago.

"“I think he’s caught numerous balls each day of practice and that’s a role that that position needs to play, there’s pass plays that are an extension to your run game,” he explained."