Who Should I Start? A.J. Dillon or LeQuint Allen Jr.

Wednesday, July 23, 9:39 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon was seen taking first team reps during the first day of training camp on Wednesday. It's only the beginning of camp, but it is interesting to see Dillon getting first team snaps over Will Shipley. Dillon was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason to replace Kenneth Gainwell who departed in free agency. Dillon did not play last season due to a neck injury, but appears to be at full health again. He posted three seasons with 600 rushing yards or more during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old is certainly capable of being a viable backup to Saquon Barkley. Neither Dillon nor Shipley figure to have weekly value with Barkley healthy, but both could be on the radar if Barkley ever misses time. Whoever wins the backup job could be a solid stash option.

Saturday, August 30, 7:30 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie LeQuint Allen Jr. is the team's top pass-blocking running back and is "likely to play a critical role on third downs," John Oesher of Jaguars.com writes. The seventh-round pick from Syracuse totaled just two carries in the preseason, but he did finish the exhibition schedule tied for the team lead in catches (eight). That's not surprising, as the dual threat wrapped up his three-year run in college last season with a personal-best 64 receptions. If Allen's going to make an impact with the Jags this season, it seems likely he'll have to do it in the passing game as part of a crowded RB group. He's behind Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, and rookie fourth-rounder Bhayshul Tuten on the depth chart, which means touches will be hard to come by in 2025.