Jacksonville Jaguars prioritize rushing improvement ahead of season opener against Cleveland Browns

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter their 2026 season opener against the Cleveland Browns seeking to improve a running game that struggled during the latter half of the previous season. After finishing 21st in rushing yards per game in 2025, the team underwent significant personnel changes to bolster the ground attack. Running back Travis Etienne departed for the Carolina Panthers, replaced by Chris Rodriguez Jr., Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen Jr. The Jaguars also hired Brian Picucci to coordinate the run game and drafted tight end Nate Boerkircher to provide physical depth. Head coach Liam Coen aims to better balance the offense, which leaned heavily on the passing game last year despite a 13-5 record. The team faces the Browns on September 13 in a matchup that will serve as the first test for the revamped offensive line and new rushing rotation.

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