After Travis Etienne's jaw-dropping performance in the opener, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded third-year running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles. They might've felt compelled to pull the trigger because they had Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen in the mix.
On top of that, the Jags had undrafted rookie Ja'Quinden Jackson in the practice squad, but that didn't deter them from adding reinforcements.
The Jaguars signed RB Cody Schrader to the active roster
A day after the Tank Bigsby trade, the Jags announced that they've signed running back Cody Schrader off the Los Rams practice squad. An undrafted free agent in 2024, the former Mizzou Tiger signed with the San Francisco 49ers but was cut before the regular season. He then landed in LA's practice squad, where he spent the remainder of the year.
Schrader ended up suiting up for one game as a rookie and registering one reception. He was promoted to the active roster in the 2025 opener against the Houston Texans and played four special teams snaps.
Back in the preseason, Schrader had 27 carries for 120 yards. He also logged 39 snaps on special teams.
Related: 3 biggest winners and losers from the Jags trade of Tank Bigsby
How can Cody Schrader help the Jaguars?
If a team signs a player off another club's practice squad, they must give him a spot on the 53-man roster. This means that Cody Schrader will take on the one the Jaguars left open when they traded Tank Bigsby.
It's worth noting that Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone knows Schrader from his time with the Rams, so the connection most definitely played a role. On the other hand, it was a bit surprising that the Jags didn't promote Ja'Quinden Jackson off the practice squad.
Jackson made a strong impression in the preseason, but it's possible that the Jaguars rolled with Schrader because he can contribute on special teams. Having said that, it's not a given that he'll suit up on Game Day.
After all, Jacksonville has three capable running backs in Travis Etienne, Bhayshul Tuten, and Tank Bigsby, so the team may feel inclined to give that game day spot to a player who may contribute at a different position.
But regardless of how much Cody Schroger ends up playing in 2025, signing him was a low-cost move that provides insurance in case the injury bug strikes.