The Jacksonville Jaguars have a running back problem, but not the kind you might imagine.
The Jags came into the preseason with a mostly clear running back hierarchy: veterans Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby were the starters, even if their precise roles weren't obvious.
I expect to see Bigsby take the majority of the snaps, with Etienne as the third-down, receiving out of the backfield option. Along with these veterans, Jacksonville also has a cluster of rookies and depth players fighting for snaps, giving them five current running backs on the depth chart.
But just one game into the preseason, that depth chart may already need rewriting—thanks to Tuten, a fourth-round pick in this year's draft.
The Jaguars and analysts are hyped up about Bhayshul Tuten
Bhayshul Tuten’s preseason debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers was the kind of performance that makes coaches rethink plans. The rookie carried the ball six times for 24 yards, and while four yards per carry may not sound impressive, his highlight play came in the fourth quarter: he punched in a bruising eight-yard touchdown that had the Jaguars’ sideline buzzing. He also added two catches for 16 yards, showing that his game isn’t limited to between-the-tackles work.
NFL analyst Nate Tice was enthused about Tuten's performance, highlighting his base and toughness in his touchdown run.
A few of Bhayshul Tuten's touches in his first preseason game.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 13, 2025
Love the base that Tuten runs with. He's got some spring in his step and runs with good toughness. Great finish on his TD. pic.twitter.com/JwaxgpUQsB
Head coach Liam Coen praised him after the game. "I thought he did some nice things. He was able to make some guys miss in the hole," Coen told the local media. "He ran hard. He had good ball security. So, I was pleased with Tuten." Keep in mind that Coen drafted two backs—that's quite the investment if you've already got your starters lined up.
Related: The best Jags 2025 NFL Draft pick nobody is talking about
Bhayshul Tuten is going from a Hokie star to NFL head-turner
Bhayshul Tuten came to Jacksonville from Virginia Tech, where he was the heartbeat of the Hokies’ offense. Known for his elite burst—he ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine—and compact frame, he blended track-star speed with the toughness of a downhill runner. His ability to hit the hole with authority and accelerate through contact made him one of the more intriguing Day 3 picks in this year’s draft.
That college resume seems to already be translating to the pro level. Yes, it's preseason. Yes, he played against second and third stringers. And yes, he ran the ball just six times. But still, Tuten looked decisive, fearless, and hard to bring down. The touchdown run was especially telling: rather than try to bounce outside, he lowered his shoulder, kept his legs churning, and dragged defenders across the goal line. That's the kind of physicality that was missing from the Jaguars last season.
Related: Bhayshul Tuten must improve in key area to be Jaguars RB1 (it's not fumbles)
Bhayshul Tuten is a pefect fit for the Jaguars offense
Liam Coen's offense thrives when it has multiple backs who can keep defenses guessing. Tuten’s dual-threat ability—dangerous both as a rusher and as a receiver—gives Coen more flexibility with formations and play-calling. He can run out of shotgun, take snaps in power sets, and even line up in the slot. That versatility could make him invaluable in two-back looks, especially when you consider Etienne has a very similar receiving skillset.
Imagine defense facing Tuten and Etienne in the backfield, then dealing with Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Dyami Brown on the outside. The number of options that give the offense could be devastating, not to mention the speed of that set.
What comes next for Bhayshul Tuten
The next test for Tuten will come in the Jaguars’ preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Another strong showing could lock him into a significant role before Week 1. With every carry, the case grows stronger for giving him more than just situational touches.
Final Word
The preseason is often filled with players who flash and then fade. Bhayshul Tuten doesn’t look like one of them. His speed, power, and poise are all traits that translate on Sundays. If the Jaguars truly want to maximize their offensive potential, it might be time to give the rookie a real shot at the starting job.