Jacksonville’s fourth-round rookie running back appears set to suit up Monday night despite dealing with a shoulder injury throughout the week. Tuten has established a backup role behind Travis Etienne Jr. through the season’s first month.
Will Bhayshul Tuten Play Against Kansas City on Monday Night?
According to Jacksonville’s official injury report released October 5, Tuten carries no game designation for Week 5 and is expected to play against the Chiefs. He took limited practice reps Saturday with a shoulder issue, but has been cleared to suit up Monday night.
The Jaguars listed only three players with injury designations for the primetime matchup: Yasir Abdullah (out), Wyatt Milum (questionable), and Travon Walker (questionable). Tuten’s absence from that list confirms his availability.
What Role Will Tuten Have in the Jaguars’ Offense?
Tuten will serve as Jacksonville’s primary backup running back behind starter Travis Etienne Jr. Through four games, he has handled 21 carries for 88 yards and one rushing touchdown while adding three receptions for 40 yards and a receiving score.
His snap share has ranged between 17% and 25% over the last three weeks, establishing him as the clear RB2 after the Jaguars traded Tank Bigsby following Week 1. That rotational role has yielded roughly seven touches and 39 total yards per game in recent weeks.
The matchup presents challenges for Jacksonville’s ground game. The Jaguars enter Monday’s contest 3-1 with a C+ offensive grade (78.2 OFI score) and rank 12th in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric. Kansas City’s defense holds a B- grade (82.0 DEFi score) and Tuten’s limited role means he’ll need to maximize his handful of touches to make an impact.
On the flip side, Jacksonville’s defense holds a B grade (84.2 DEFi score) and ranks fifth in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric. Kansas City brings a 2-2 record with a C+ offensive grade (77.4 OFI score), ranking 14th in offensive efficiency heading into the primetime matchup.
Tuten’s 4.2 yards per carry and 13.3 yards per reception show good efficiency on limited touches, though his nine-yard season-long rush indicates he hasn’t broken off big runs yet.
His two touchdowns have come near the goal line and on designed plays where the rookie’s speed creates opportunities.
Without any pregame surprises, Tuten will dress Monday night and continue his backup role behind Etienne. His shoulder has been managed throughout the week, and his status is confirmed. He’ll look to add to his two-touchdown season when the Jaguars host Kansas City at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
