LeQuint Allen is expected to have a larger role when the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Denver Broncos in Week 2 at Empower Field at Mile High. The second-year running back played only one snap in Jacksonville's 34-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns, appearing on a touchdown pass to Parker Washington in the first quarter.
Allen had been limited during the first week of practice after suffering a hip injury in training camp. He also had limited participation in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but he entered the game without an injury designation.
Jaguars coach Liam Coen said Allen's workload should increase against Denver. “Fully anticipate him playing a lot more,” Coen said, specifically pointing to third-down situations.
Allen's return could affect the packages used for Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Ameer Abdullah. Bhayshul Tuten is also expected to remain an important part of the running game, while Allen is viewed as the team's top pass-blocking running back and a key option in the passing attack.
The Jaguars' running backs performed well against Cleveland, and Allen's pass protection could be particularly useful against Denver's physical defense and pass rush. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence previously had one of his strongest games under Coen against the Broncos, and Allen is expected to be part of the effort to support him.
