Week 9 of the NFL season opens with Thursday Night Football as the Baltimore Ravens (4-4) host the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2). The Jaguars may be without their all-purpose running back Bhayshul Tuten, who did not practice all week due to ankle and foot injuries and is officially listed as questionable.
Injury Update
Because NFL teams typically hold limited practices during a short week, Tuten's absence from all sessions makes him a true game-time decision. Reports indicate he should be available for Thursday's game barring any pregame setbacks.
Recent Performance
Tuten is coming off his best game of the season in Jacksonville's 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. He rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries (6.5 yards per carry) and added two catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. That made him the first Jaguars player since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2007 to record 100-plus rushing yards, 50-plus receiving yards, and multiple touchdowns in a single game. It was also Tuten's first career 100-yard rushing game. This season, he is the only NFL player with three or more rushing touchdowns and three or more receiving touchdowns.
Backup Plan
If the Jaguars opt to rest Tuten, fourth-year veteran Chris Rodriguez Jr. would serve as the primary running back. Rodriguez has 209 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 45 carries this season, including a 28-yard touchdown run against the Colts.
Even with Tuten's status uncertain, Jacksonville enters as a 10-point road favorite. The Ravens are expected to start third-string, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback.
