Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez is currently navigating an injury designation ahead of the team’s upcoming Week 9 matchup, though his outlook remains relatively promising compared to others in the backfield. Rodriguez has been listed as a limited participant on both of the Jaguars’ practice reports as the team prepares for a crucial road game. Despite managing a hand injury that has limited his activity in practice, the 26-year-old running back appears to be on a more encouraging health trajectory than backfield mate Bhayshul Tuten.
Tuten, who is dealing with lingering ankle and foot issues, has yet to log any practice participation during the early portion of the week. If Tuten is ultimately unable to suit up or is forced to watch Thursday night’s clash from the sidelines, Rodriguez is positioned as the primary candidate to lead the Jacksonville ground attack. However, his effectiveness in an expanded role will likely hinge on whether his hand injury significantly inhibits his ball-security and blocking capabilities during the high-stakes prime-time contest.
The current injury situation underscores a notable season for Rodriguez, who signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Jaguars in March of 2026. Bringing a reputation as a physical, downhill runner, Rodriguez has carved out a productive niche within the Jacksonville offense since arriving via free agency. His journey to this point has been marked by steady determination and moments of high-impact production when given the opportunity to shoulder the load.
Prior to his current stint in Jacksonville, Rodriguez spent the early years of his professional career with the Washington franchise after being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. During his collegiate career at the University of Kentucky, he established himself as a prolific and durable runner, amassing 3,600 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns over four productive seasons. Though questions regarding his pass-catching versatility followed him into the NFL scouts’ notebooks, his robust frame and capability as a between-the-tackles power runner quickly earned him respect at the professional level.
As a rookie and sophomore in Washington, Rodriguez demonstrated efficiency when called upon, averaging 4.9 yards per carry on limited work and showcasing an impressive yards-after-contact average that hinted at untapped upside. A season-ending ankle injury in late 2024 temporarily halted his momentum, but he recovered fully and eventually found a new home in Jacksonville, where the coaching staff has looked to utilize his physical running style.
Early in the 2026 campaign, those expectations began to manifest on the field. Back in July, analysts pointed out that Rodriguez could enjoy a larger role in the Jaguars’ offense than initially anticipated, particularly given his prior familiarity with head coach Liam Coen from their shared time at Kentucky. With the Jaguars lacking a definitive, bell-cow runner following offseason departures, Rodriguez quickly integrated himself into the offensive game plan.
His contributions have already yielded several notable performances through the first half of the season. In Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rodriguez turned six carries into 35 yards and a touchdown, helping secure a tight 22-17 victory. A few weeks later, during a dominant 42-7 blowout win over the Indianapolis Colts, he put together one of his most efficient outings of the year, rumbling for 41 yards and a touchdown on six rushing attempts while also hauling in a 17-yard reception on his lone target. Even in tougher matchups, such as an October contest against the Houston Texans where he churned out 55 yards on 11 carries, Rodriguez has consistently demonstrated that he can absorb a heavier workload when called upon.
The upcoming test against the Baltimore Ravens presents another significant hurdle for the Jaguars’ offense. Baltimore enters the matchup boasting a formidable defense, and the short turnaround of a Thursday night game places a premium on health and recovery for players like Rodriguez. With the team monitoring both his hand injury and Tuten’s ongoing absence, the final game-day inactive list will dictate how the rushing duties are ultimately divided.
If Rodriguez is cleared to play without major restrictions and Tuten remains sidelined, the veteran running back will likely step into the focal point of the Jacksonville running game. For a player who has battled through injuries and fought for every snap since entering the league as a Day 3 draft pick, Thursday night represents an opportunity to cement his value within the Jaguars’ offense and help guide his team on the road in prime time.
