Jaguars defense regressses vs. Colts, other Week 6 takeaways

2. The Jaguars have a pretty good RB backfield this season

The Jaguars’ running back room seemed like a wildcard early in the offseason. Both Travis Etienne and James Robinson suffered season-ending injuries in 2021 and it was hard to tell whether they were going to be ready for Week 1.

Robinson tore his Achilles last December and didn’t play in the preseason. Yet, he had a productive 2022 debut, toting the rock 11 times for 66 yards with one touchdown against the Washington Commanders. On top of that, he had a touchdown reception, showing he was as effective as he was last season in spite of a limited workload. This season, the former Illinois State Redbird has racked up 69 carries for 286 yards with three rushing touchdowns. But he isn’t the only Jaguars running back making plays though.

Etienne suffered a Lisfranc injury in the preseason last year but was a full-go for training camp. He started the 2022 season slow, playing second fiddle to Robinson and running the ball just 13 times for 67 yards. However, the former Clemson Tiger has seen an uptick in playing time in recent weeks. In the last four games, he’s had 41 rushes for 234 yards. He’s also broken off several big runs, so he will most likely keep getting a big workload. But wait, there’s more.

It looked like rookie Snoop Conner was going to have a change-of-pace kind of role and be part of the Jaguars’ running back rotation this season but he’s been inactive for every contest. Instead, JaMycal Hasty has been third on the depth chart behind Robinson and Etienne. Looking at his 61-yard touchdown run against the Colts in Week 3, it’s easy to see why he’s been getting the nod over Conner.

The Jaguars have three talented running backs and the coaching staff must lean on them. It’s worked so far, why deviate from the formula?