Jaguars expected to release former Ohio State running back

The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to part ways with former Ohio State and veteran NFL running back Carlos Hyde, according to a report from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport on Friday.

With James Robinson carrying the load and former Clemson speedster Travis Etienne, the release of the 31-year-old back isn’t a surprise in NFL circles.

Source: The #Jaguars are releasing RB Carlos Hyde today.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2022

 Hyde signed a two-year, $4.5 million deal with $1.4 million in guarantees last offseason, reuniting him with his former college head coach Urban Meyer, but his production in the No. 2 role behind starter James Robinson fell short of expectations, to say the least.

Many members of the media and Jacksonville Jaguars fans don’t necessarily blame Hyde for a lackluster 2021 performance and are quick to point out his reunion with Meyer was a detriment to his production.

“In a way, Hyde’s biggest draw to the Jaguars ended up being potentially his greatest detriment in 2021,” Sports Illustrated’s Jaguar Report said. “Carlos Hyde was signed to the Jaguars in large part because of his familiarity and comfort with Urban Meyer, and it was clear with how Meyer managed the running back room on game days that he saw Hyde as more of a 1B running back than a true No. 2.

It isn’t Hyde’s fault that Meyer didn’t bench him for fumbles but did bench Robinson, but it did end up being a negative effect on the Jaguars’ offense. Meyer could have done this with whoever the No. 2 running back was at the time, but it feels like it would be a fair assumption that Meyer’s connection to Hyde played a role in what ended up being a dysfunctional low point of Meyer’s tenure.”

While the running game didn’t really get going until Week 3, Hyde at least started the season as a serviceable compliment to James Robinson. Hyde displayed good enough hands to warrant playing on more than just first and second downs, while also giving the Jaguars an efficient downhill rushing option to start the season. 

the 10-year NFL vet digressed as the season went on and never averaged more than 3.59 yards per carry in after Week 3. He rushed for fewer than 3.0 yards per carry in five contests, including his final four. Add in two fumbles and just one touchdown, and it is hard to say Hyde’s production was consistent or impressive. 

The former OSU ball-carrier finished his lone season in Jacksonville with just 72 rushing attempts for 253 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. In Week 15, he was ruled out with a concussion and his final game for the Jags came on Dec. 12 against the Titans.