Tank Bigsby is generating plenty of buzz in training camp, ripping off long touchdown runs and bamboozling Jacksonville Jaguars defenders. His strong performance has earned him the No. 2 spot on the running back depth chart, but Jaguars coach Doug Pederson is also trying not to put too much on Bigsby’s plate.
“You’ve still got to be careful with how much you expand his role,” Pederson said Wednesday. “I think he’s done a nice job so far, there’s still some learning to do and some growing to do as a rookie. Keeping him where he is right now is a good thing and expand maybe as you go.
“We’re only two weeks into camp and there’s a lot of football ahead of us, so we’re just going to pump the brakes and make sure he’s good with what he can handle.”
In Pederson’s career as a coach with both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jaguars, he’s leaned on a running-back-by-committee approach. Only once has a back received at least 50 percent of the team’s carries — Myles Sanders in 2020, who averaged 13.7 rush attempts per game.
Even during a breakout season for Travis Etienne Jr. last year, he finished the season with 12.9 carries per game and 49.1 percent of the team’s rushing attempts.
That seemingly leaves plenty of room for Bigsby to make an impact, although the Jaguars also have veterans JaMycal Hasty and D’Ernest Johnson to potentially work into the mix.
Earlier in camp, Pederson raved about Bigsby’s coachability and his chances at making an impact in the receiving game, as well. Just don’t count on him racking up as many touches and fantasy points in 2023 as training camp buzz may suggest.
