Charlie Cummings analyzes whether rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten can overtake Travis Etienne as the Jaguars’ lead back.

It’s sure been a drama-filled start to the year for the Jaguars’ running back room. Travis Etienne Jr. , the incumbent lead back, seemed to put a stranglehold on the group in Week 1. Then they traded away last year’s leading rusher, Tank Bigsby, for pocket change from the Philadelphia Eagles. Things got muddier in Week 2 as Etienne seemed to share the backfield with rookie Bhayshul Tuten. Can Tuten overtake Etienne as the top fantasy football running back in Jacksonville? Or will owners of the exciting rookie be disappointed?

Year-to-Date Analysis

Let’s take a look at the Week 1 usage. Etienne was the guy in their 26-10 victory over the Panthers, carrying the ball 16 times for 143 yards while catching three balls for 13 yards. Tuten, on the other hand, rusehd the ball three times for 11 yards without any targets. He was out-touched by the soon-to-be-traded Bigsby. The snap counts looked dire; Tuten was fourth amongst RBs with four total snaps, only a 6% share, coming in behind fellow rookie LeQuint Allen Jr.

Things changed in a big way during Week 2. For one, the game script was different; the Jaguars were in a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair with the Cincinnati Bengals. With Bigsby out of the picture, Tuten was the clear second back in the committee. Etienne only out-carried him 14-8 in this contest, while both had a pair of receptions. Tuten was able to pull in one of those receptions for a touchdown, producing a solid fantasy week.

every Bhayshul Tuten opportunity in Week 2

8 carries for 42 yards – 2 catches for 32 + 1 TD

buy buy buy. I cannot stress this enough. The ideal mid/late season player you want on your fantasy team whose best games are ahead of him. pic.twitter.com/Ov2nyjq4ac

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) September 15, 2025

He has wiggle and ball carrier instincts that you can’t teach. Etienne’s days at the unquestioned No. 1 back are in jeopardy. But how soon will this translate?

The Verdict

If you’re an Etienne owner, it may be time to get off the ride. If you’re a Tuten owner, congratulations; great things are ahead.

Look back at Liam Coen’s tenure in Tampa Bay. Rachaad White, a solid but unspectacular all-around back, quickly lost his top spot to Bucky Irving, a bowling ball of a runner with receiving chops. That same dynamic is playing out in front of our eyes once again.

Go ahead and get those trade offers in for Tuten. You may not get another chance.