Week 9 of the NFL season opens Thursday night in Baltimore, where the Ravens (4-4) host the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2). Jacksonville's all-purpose running back Bhayshul Tuten is listed as questionable after missing all practices this week with ankle and foot injuries, making him a true game-time decision for the Thursday Night Football matchup.
Tuten's Breakout Performance
Tuten enters the game following his best outing of the season, a 42-7 blowout win 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, becoming 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, and he remains the only NFL player this season with three or more rushing touchdowns and three or more receiving touchdowns.
Backup Option and Game Context
If Tuten is sidelined, fourth-year veteran Chris Rodriguez Jr. would assume the lead back role. Rodriguez has 209 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 45 carries this season, including a 28-yard touchdown run against the Colts. Despite the uncertainty at running back, Jacksonville enters as a 10-point road favorite. Baltimore will start third-string, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback.
