It's not even the preseason yet but Jaguars have early favorite to win RB1 job

The Jacksonville Jaguars have three capable running backs, and deciding how their depth chart will look in 2025 was one of their biggest storylines to keep an eye on in training camp. With the preseason inching closer, there seems to be an eary candidate to be the top option in the Jacksonville backfield.

John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported that the Jags' depth chart is taking shape, pointing out that Bigsby got the lion's share of the workload at the mock game the Jags held while Etienne didn't get a carry until the third drive. Here's the skinny.

"Tank Bigsby opened the scrimmage with the starting offense and had several carries, including a 10-yard gain on his first carry. He also got a red-zone handoff," Shipley wrote. "On the second and third drives with the starting offense, Travis Etienne stepped in."

Shipley continued, "Etienne didn't get a touch on the second drive; on the third drive, he had a carry go for zero yards and then was the target on a screen that Trevor Lawrence had to put in the dirt. He then got a red-zone carry to get the ball to the three-yard line before being stuffed by Jack Kiser on his next carry. It looks more and more like this is Bigsby's chance to entrench himself as the No. 1 running back."

It's important to point out that Bhayshul Tuten didn't participate in the mock game because he was dealing with a hamstring injury. However, he was back for Day 9 of training camp. Mia O'Brien of ESPN reports that the first-year running back was stretching to start practice but later participated in position drills and the team period.

Tank Bigsgy appears to be the leader, but the Jaguars have options at RB

After the 2025 NFL Draft, a report surfaced that the Jacksonville Jaguars weren't sold on either Tank Bigsby or Travis Etienne. But based on things have played out, it looks like the team's brass still gave them a fair shake and allowed them to prove themselves. Bigsby has made the most of his chance and is seemingly on the front seat to be the the starter to open the season.

Having said that, there's still a bit of time, and either Etienne or Bhayshul Tuten could narrow down the gap. After all, both backs have the skillset to earn a featured role. The former is coming off an underwhelming season but ran for more than 1,000 yards in 2022 and 2023.

On the other hand, Tuten posted the fastest time among running back prospects in the 2025 scouting combine and is a threat to break off. Moreover, the fumble issues that plagued him at Virginia Tech haven't surfaced in a while.

Of course, there's always the chance that the Jags decide to trade Etienne at some point before or during the regular season. The former Clemson Tiger has been the subject of speculation since the end of 2024. This is due to the emergence of Bigsby and the fact that he's entering a contract year.

And while head coach Liam Coen has made it clear that the team isn't entertaining the thought of trading Etienne, things could change, especially if LeQuint Allen keeps making a strong impression

A 2025 seventh-round pick, Allen has fared well in both the offseason program and training camp. He excels in pass protection and can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. Both abilities could help him carve a niche. And if he keeps flashing, the Jaguars could ultimately decide to move on from Etienne.

The bottom line is that there are several moving pieces, and many things could change before the start of the regular season. However, Tank Bigsby seems to be closer to being the Jaguars' starting running back come Week 1.

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