The Jaguars are still without their star running back, and the NFL's leading rusher in 2011, Maurice Jones-Drew. While Rashad Jennings will fill in as Jones-Drew is unavailable, the Jaguars have announced that Montell Owens will serve as the backup running back.
Owens has just 14 carries in his 6-year NFL career, but Coach Mike Mularkey has expressed his faith: "He’s done a lot of good things. Third down, he’s been very good. Every opportunity he’s had to carry the ball, he’s shown some good running skills.’’
On Friday night against the Giants, Owens carried the ball five times for 20 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown.
Though most people still expect Jones-Drew to return before the start of the season, it's not clear that he would immediately become the starter. Said Mularkey, "Even if he is in good condition, he won’t be in football condition." In that case, Owens might see some playing time in the season-opener against the Vikings.
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