After rushing for just 51 yards last week, T.J. Yeldon showed that the Jaguars will not regret drafting the former Crimson Tide star. Yeldon had 25 carries for 70 yards against the Dolphins.
The yardage might not have increased substantially for Yeldon but he still showed why many believe he can have a long lasting career in the NFL. Yeldon had an increased role off the bench Sunday due to an injury to starting running back Denard Robinson who suffered a knee injury on his initial carry, and fellow rusher Toby Gerhart who was inactive with an abdominal injury as well.
Yeldon entered the game after showing that he was prepared to put in the work and wait his turn until called upon. T.J. finished the game with 11 first-down runs against Miami showing that the team is not afraid to make him a feature back in the offense if needed.
Yeldon said he’s ready to keep taking a heavy workload. “If I have to, I feel like I can do it,’’ he said. Yeldon wasn’t surprised they stressed the run on first down. “In the offseason, we put a lot of emphasis on running the football,’’ he said.
If Yeldon can continue his progression as a running back then the rest of the league might have to get used to a new starter in Jacksonville, one with the heart of a champion.
Ivan L. White is a contributor for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ilwhite1
