Jaguars are quietly in a position to withstand LeQuint Allen Jr.'s injury

The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently dealing with a bit of an injury crisis. Right guard Patrick Mekari just underwent a back procedure and will miss time. On top of that, Michael DiRocco of ESPN just reported that wide receiver Parker Washington and running back LeQuint Allen Jr. are dealing with injuries. On the bright side, both of them should return soon.

Allen, specifically, suffered a soft tissue injury on Day 13 of training camp and will miss the remainder of camp. Based on the wording, though, the second-year running back should be available for the season opener. Moreover, Jacksonville has the depth to withstand his absence.

The Jaguars have other running backs who can fill in for LeQuint Allen Jr.

Head coach Liam Coen told reporters that the starters are trending toward playing against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 of the preseason. That means that Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. will tentatively see the field. LeQuint Allen Jr. might have also played if he had been available, but that won't be the case. The silver lining is that J'Mari Taylor, Ameer Abdullah, and DeeJay Dallas can step in his place during his absence.

Taylor, in particular, would be the biggest beneficiary of the extra work. An undrafted free agent in 2025, the former Virginia Cavalier flashed in the offseason program and is coming off a strong outing against the Saints in the preseason opener, toting the rock 22 times for 78 yards with one touchdown.

For his part, offensive coordinator Grant Udinski believes Taylor has shown progress, noting that the first-year running back has picked up the nuances of blocking and has embraced all the aspects of playing running back.

"It's great to see J'Mari's progression in the run game," Udinski told reporters after Day 15 of training camp (0:26 mark). "There, I think you really saw it highlighted in the game. But even out here at practice, you see him picking up the protection system. He's a sharp guy, works hard and studies at it, as does C-Rod, and Tuten and Ameer."

Udisnki continued, "That they all really have embraced all the roles of playing running back, which is a unique aspect of that room because we know that the protection aspect is a little less glorious than going out there and running for a touchdown. So it's exciting to have that group of guys who are hard-nosed and willing to stick, go in there and block a linebacker or a defensive end if they have to in the pass pro game."

As you can see, Udinksi is pleased with all the team's running backs, not just Taylor. Either way, the Jaguars have the depth to overcome his absence during the preseason.

The Jaguars expect big things from LeQuint Allen Jr. in Year 2

Even though LeQuint Allen Jr. will probably be No. 3 in the backfield behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bayshul Tuten, losing him for an extended period of time would be a huge blow. As Grant Udinski noted, the Jags have a deep running back room.

However, Allen is the best blocker of the bunch and an underrated pass-catcher out of the backfield. These traits made him a candidate to have an increased role on offense next season, so not having him would take away one dimension from the passing game.

Fortunately, LeQuint Allen Jr. will have enough time to recover for the season opener. If he's back at full strength by then, as expected, he'll be in a position to have a big impact for the Jaguars.

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