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Week 9 begins on Thursday night in Baltimore as the Ravens with a 4-4 record host the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars, who stand at 5-2. However, Jacksonville might be missing their primary all-purpose running back, Bhayshul Tuten, for the matchup.
Injury Status and Practice Participation
Tuten missed every practice session during the week dealing with ankle and foot injuries, leading the Jaguars to list him as questionable. Because teams generally avoid strenuous workouts during a short week before a Thursday game, Tuten enters the contest as a true game-time decision following his lack of practice.
According to an ESPN report, Tuten is expected to be ready for the game against the Ravens unless he suffers any setbacks during pregame warmups.
Recent Performances and Season Statistics
Tuten enters this week coming off his most productive game of the season during Jacksonville’s 42-7 dominant win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. He accumulated 104 rushing yards and one touchdown on 16 carries, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt, while also tying for the team lead in receptions with two catches for 55 yards and another score. That standout performance made Tuten the first Jacksonville player to record at least 100 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and multiple touchdowns in a single game since Maurice Jones-Drew achieved the feat in 2007.
The Sunday contest also marked the first 100-yard rushing game of Tuten’s professional career. Throughout the current campaign, he stands alone as the only player across the NFL to record at least three rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns.
Backup Options and Game Odds
Should the Jaguars choose to exercise caution and hold Tuten out on Thursday, fourth-year veteran Chris Rodriguez Jr. will step in as Jacksonville’s primary running back for the evening. Rodriguez has tallied 209 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 45 carries this season, highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown run up the middle against the Colts that extended the Jaguars’ lead to 35-0.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Tuten’s availability, the Jaguars enter the contest as 10-point road favorites while the Ravens prepare to start third-string, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback.
