The Jacksonville Jaguars let running back Travis Etienne leave in free agency even though he had been a staple of their offense the past four years. While there's no doubt that they'll miss his production as both a runner and a pass catcher, they believe that sophomore Bhayshul Tuten is ready to step up, and understandably so.
Tuten flashed big-play capability as a rookie, especially in the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills when he racked up 51 yards on four carries. And if there were any doubts that the former Virginia Tech Hokie is ready for a bigger role, head coach Liam Coen quelled them with his recent remarks.
The Jaguars believe Bhayshul Tuten is ready for a big role
"You look at what Tu showed in terms of getting downhill, on it inside the tackles, that really wasn't as much on his tape in college," Coen responded when asked about Tuten's role in 2026 (20:37 mark). "I think we can do a better job of giving him some opportunities a little bit more that fit his skill set as well in college, and get them going in some of those instances as well, in the pass game, in the screen game. And I thought he did a great job."
Coen continued, "I know he had the one fumble against the Colts, but ball security was something that we honed on a lot, and we really tried to work on. And that wasn't just with him, that was with the whole group. But okay, now it's like, 'Year 2, let's go be more creative, hey, now you learn ball security at a premium.' What we're looking for the standard. Now let's go take it to the next level."
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Tuten after the draft was his penchant for losing the football, registering nine fumbles in his last two collegiate seasons. While he still had two fumbles in 2025, it no longer appears to be a big issue.
Later in the exchange, Coen also heaped praise on sophomore LeQuint Allen, noting that he'll continue to be a big part of the passing game.
"And then LeQuint, I think, showed so much in terms of the toughness, physicality, the care factor, third down runs that he was good at, really good at for us. You know, I know he had 60 catches or so in college, and so that's an area I think we can continue to lean into him as well," Coen said.
Like Tuten, Allen also saw ample playing time as a rookie, mostly as a pass blocker and pass-catcher out of the backfield, logging 23 percent of the offensive snaps. Based on Coen's snaps, the former Syracuse Orangeman will continue to be thrust into action often next season.
The Jaguars are confident Bhayshul Tuten is ready to replace Travis Etienne
Following the 2025 draft, a report emerged that the Jaguars weren't sold on either Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby. This might've been why they brought in Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. Although Etienne managed to make an impression and remain RB1 last year, the team's brass also saw enough of Tuten to think that he can step into a featured role in 2026.
Some of that trust was evident when Jacksonville signed Chris Rodriguez in free agency instead of re-signing Etienne or going after Kenneth Walker III. Rodriguez, who played for Liam Coen at Kentucky, will get plenty of work, but Tuten will be the undisputed No. 1 in the backfield.
The truth is that it stung to see Travis Etienne sign with the Panthers, but the Jags are confident that Bhayshul Tuten is capable of filling his shoes.