The Jacksonville Jaguars mostly sat out free agency, mostly focusing on re-signing their own players. That said, they did make an external addition, signing running back Chris Rodriguez to a two-year deal worth $10 million.
Signing Rodriguez has generally gotten less-than-ideal reviews, especially when you take into account that he's expected to help fill the void Travis Etienne left when he bolted for the New Orleans Saints. Then again, the 2023 sixth-round selection was way more productive last year than his stat line suggests. This is probably why Jacksonville expects him to have a huge impact next season.
The issue is that Rodriguez hasn't attended each of the two practices the Jaguars have opened to the media. Understandably, his absence has raised questions about his availability. Fortunately, it seems like it's nothing serious (or not nearly as bad), based on a recent update.
Chris Rodriguez has missed Jaguars OTAs with an undisclosed injury
Mia O'Brien shared an update on Chris Rodriguez. She says that the fourth-year running back is dealing with an undisclosed injury but should be ready for training camp.
"With regards to Chris Rodriguez's status, you heard Liam Coen at the podium last week. He said the injury report will come out at some point in time. I have been told all expectations are that Chris Rodriguez will be ready to go opening week at training camp," O'Brien said on her podcast (5:54 mark). "Let's hope it continues to trend in that direction.
Later, O'Brien states that Rodriguez remains an integral part of the Jaguars' running attack next year.
"The thing that I just keep coming back to is that every person I have spoken to in the Miller Electric Center, when you asked about Liam Cohen referring to the run game as the underlying stink, despite 13 wins in his first season as head coach. Whenever you bring up the run game, Chris Rodriguez is central to those conversations, and so this notion of, oh, he's damaged goods, he's never going to play it down for the Jaguars. Now, as of June 2, he is going to be a featured member of the Jaguars, running back by committee." O'Brien said.
For reference, Coen referred to the running game in 2025 as the stink Jacksonville needs to get rid of next year, and Rodriguez is expected to be part of the solution.
The Jaguars are better off not rushing Chris Rodriguez into action
Every time a player suffers an injury, there's a reason for concern. Having said that, Chris Rodriguez's absence comes with a silver lining. The former Kentucky Wildcat isn't in danger of getting cut, at least not in 2026, so his absence paves the way for veteran DeeJay Dallas and undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor to make a bid for a roster spot.
Taylor, in particular, will benefit from Rodriguez's absence, as he can get as many reps in the offseason program as possible. With Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. also being virtual locks to make the team, there may only be one roster spot up for grabs.
For the moment, the Chris Rodriguez injury seems like a nothingburger, but if his status doesn't change, it will become a reason for concern.
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