Jaguars Rookie Taylor Drives Second-Half Comeback Against Saints

Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted rookie running back J'Mari Taylor delivered a decisive second-half performance to lead the team to a 24-20 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints on 15 August at the Caesars Superdome. Taylor’s efforts were instrumental in overcoming a 20-6 halftime deficit, marking the first of three preseason games for the club.

Taylor, who rushed for 78 yards on 22 carries, sparked the offensive resurgence with four carries for 32 yards to open the third quarter. He followed Carter Bradley’s 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Long by barging into the end zone for a two-point conversion. Taylor capped the scoring drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with five minutes remaining, securing the win for Jacksonville.

The performance places Taylor in a strong position in the competition for the fifth running back spot behind Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez, LeQuint Allen Jr, and Ameer Abdullah. Taylor, who was third in the ACC in rushing for the University of Virginia last season with 1,062 yards, gained the most yards in a Jaguars preseason game since Corey Grant’s 74 yards against the Washington Commanders in 2015.

However, the roster decision remains nuanced. Veteran Ameer Abdullah, who was rested for the match, brings 12 years of experience and may still secure the fourth spot based on tenure. This leaves Taylor and DeeJay Dallas, who recorded 10 carries for 26 yards and one reception for 6 yards, to compete for a practice squad position.

Taylor was not targeted in the passing game during the contest. While his statistical output has provided a clear advantage in the immediate aftermath of the match, the final determination of the roster spots will depend on how the coaching staff weighs his rookie performance against the established experience of the veteran backfield.