Jaguars RB in good shape, Darrell Henderson not needed after all

It wasn’t particularly surprising to see the Jacksonville Jaguars claim former Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson off waivers. After all, they had just traded James Robinson not long ago and needed to be prepared in case injuries struck. What was unexpected was that Henderson has been released without having played a single snap, but that’s not necessarily bad news.

The Jaguars announced on their official website and on social media that they’ve released Henderson, just two weeks after putting in a claim for him. A third-round pick in the 2019 draft by the Rams, the former Memphis Tiger was their rushing leader this season, racking up 70 carries for 283 yards with one touchdown, before being waived on Nov. 22.

¿When Jacksonville picked up Henderson, it seemed like they might not have felt comfortable with the depth behind running Travis Etienne. After all, rookie Snoop Conner has been a healthy scratch for most of the season and JaMycal Hasty hadn’t done much of note besides a 61-yard touchdown run against the Colts in Week 6.

But by waiving Henderson, the team’s brass is showing confidence in both Hasty and Cooner. On the other, it’s possible that they didn’t think Henderson would add much to their running back room. Either way, he’s no longer a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars RB room may be in good shape without Darrell Henderson

Back in Week 12, Etienne had to exit the game with a foot injury and Hasty filled in for him. The former Baylor Bear ended up toting the rock 12 times for 28 carries and added 67 yards with one touchdown through the air on five receptions.

While Hasty isn’t as talented as Etienne, he showed he can take his place in the lineup if called upon. Similarly, Conner was active against the Detroit Lions in Week 13, so he may be gaining the coaching staff’s trust.

Having said that, the Jaguars could still add someone else to their running back unit. There are five weeks left in the 2022 season and they could once again take a look at the waiver wire if either Etienne or Hasty gets nicked up.

The Jags’ running back room could undergo changes next offseason. While Etienne is firmly entrenched as the starter, the front office could bolster the depth at the position in free agency or the draft. But for the time being, they seem comfortable with their current group.