Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon has evolved from an afterthought to an asset over the course of his third NFL season.
Yeldon was a healthy scratch for the first six games of the season before he exploded for 122 rushing yards and a touchdown during the Jaguars' Week 7 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Since his eye-opening performance in Indianapolis, Yeldon has been a fixture of the offense.
"He’s grown a bunch," Jaguars offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said Thursday.
"He’s one of those guys, he’s kept steady the whole time and understands when he gets his opportunity he wants to take advantage of it. The great thing about T.J. is every opportunity he’s had, he’s taken advantage of it. We’re excited about that.”
Yeldon missed the Jaguars' first playoff game against the Buffalo Bills due to an illness. When he returned to the lineup against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, the running back offered up an impressive performance.
Yeldon scored a rushing touchdown, caught three passes for 57 yards and produced several big blocks in pass protection.
His 40-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter on third-and-5 was the biggest of play of his career.
"It was a good day," Yeldon said. "I was just excited to be back out there, playing in the playoffs. I missed the first one [against the Bills] because I was sick with the flu. I just wanted to go out there, show what I could do and be ready to go out there and make some plays when [Leonard] Fournette went down."
Fournette left the game with an ankle injury during the second quarter. He eventually returned, but Yeldon was able to lessen his load.
Both provided significant plays for the offense in the second half.
"I know I can go out and catch the ball really well out of the backfield," Yeldon said. "I can make plays like I did on that third-down play. I just keep trying to make plays when my number is called."
Yeldon played well against the Steelers because he was loose. He didn't feel overwhelmed by the moment.
His patience and comfort during the big game could be attributed to his time spent at the University of Alabama.
Yeldon played in several major games during his college career. He helped Alabama win a national championship in 2012.
"I played in a bunch of big games at Alabama," Yeldon said. "Just being in that environment, I know how to calm myself down. I just go out there and play and block everything else out."
Blocking has been one of Yeldon's best attributes during his NFL career. Against the Steelers, Yeldon landed a key block on Steelers safety Mike Mitchell to allow quarterback Blake Bortles to pick up a 16-yard gain for a first down.
The huge lead block has since gone viral.
"I've seen a bunch of videos [of the block]," Yeldon said. "People sent them to me on Snapchat, Twitter, [Instagram] and all that stuff."
Yeldon has earned the trust of his quarterback and his offensive coordinator. Bortles and Hackett know they can count on Yeldon during the key moments of every game.
"He gives you a really good security net there and I think it’s not as much me as it probably is for Blake," Hackett said. "Blake feels really comfortable with him there, and feels great with him being able to understand the protections."
Yeldon has found his groove within the Jaguars' offense. As a third-down back, his role is to provide a passing outlet for Bortles and block for the quarterback when needed.
He has been able to mature in that role because he is finally settled into his position. He understands the game and what he needs to do to be successful.
"Everything is slowing down," Yeldon said. "I've got a pretty good feel for the game, the speed of the game. I'm very comfortable now."
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.