Tom Coughlin Rips Leonard Fournette, TJ Yeldon's Disrespectful, Selfish Behavior

Rob Goldberg @TheRobGoldbergFeatured ColumnistDecember 30, 2018

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

AJ Mast/Associated Press

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon appeared disinterested in the team's game against the Houston Texans Sunday, and Tom Coughlin wasn't happy about it.

The team's executive vice president of football operations blasted the players after the game for their lack of attentiveness to teammates in the 20-3 loss.

"I am disappointed in the behavior today from T.J. Yeldon and Leonard Fournette," Coughlin said, per Phillip Heilman of the Florida Times-Union. "They were disrespectful, selfish and their behavior was unbecoming that of a professional football player."

While Fournette was inactive for the Week 17 game, Yeldon was on the active roster but didn't play as Carlos Hyde saw the majority of touches out of the backfield.

However, they also didn't show any interest in their team's performance during the game:

Hays Carlyon @HaysCarlyon
It's such an awful look for the #Jaguars and T.J. Yeldon that he's sitting on the bench as an active player while the offense is on the field. This is professional football, right? At least stand near the coaches and make it look like you're ready to go in if needed.

Daniel Popper @danielrpopper
Yeldon and Fournette, who was inactive, spent virtually the entire game sitting on the bench, even during offensive possessions. More of a bad look for Yeldon because he was active. #Jaguars https://t.co/xrpNvukHF5

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The loss came at the end of a disappointing season for Jacksonville as the team finished 5-11 after reaching the AFC Championship Game one year ago. Fournette dealt with hamstring injuries all season long while finishing with just 439 rushing yards. Yeldon added 414 rushing yards while filling in at times for the starter.

The frustration with the lost year—added to the fact neither were playing Sunday—likely contributed to the duo remaining on the bench instead of active on the sidelines.

However, this could impact the team's decisions going forward. While Fournette still has two more years under his rookie contract, Yeldon is headed toward free agency and could have a tough time convincing Coughlin to sign him to a new deal.