Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Bhayshul Tuten

Sunday, January 26, 6:46 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied just 32 all-purpose yards during their loss in the NFC Championship game to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ekeler also lost a fumble. The Commanders were playing from behind throughout most of the contest, putting their rushing attack out of the game plan. However, even when Ekeler was given the ball through the air, he could not perform. He caught five of his seven targets but tallied just 17 yards. His seven targets tied him the second-most on the team, only behind tight end Zach Ertz. Throughout the season, the 29-year-old operated primarily as a change-of-pace option in the Washington backfield. Entering Sunday, Ekeler posted a strong 10.3 yards per catch and a 4.8 yards per carry. Ekeler will likely remain in this role next season as he enters the final year of his contract.

Monday, August 11, 3:28 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten got "a lot of run" with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the first-string offense during Monday's practice, according to ESPN Radio's Mia O'Brien. O'Brien also reports that head coach Liam Coen was "very complimentary" of the 23-year-old's running in their preseason loss to the Steelers. Tuten was the third (and final) Jaguars running back to receive a touch in that one, but tied backfield mate Tank Bigsby for the team lead in carries (six), yards (24), and scored their lone rushing touchdown. By the looks of it, Travis Etienne Jr. is still the top dog here, with Tuten and Bigsby vying for touches behind him. However, Bigsby outproduced Etienne Jr. in 2024, and this room feels more open for the taking than initially anticipated. Jacksonville's final two preseason games should shed some more light on how this backfield will operate come the regular season.