As recently as 2023, Travis Etienne was seen as an offensive mainstay of the Jacksonville Jaguars, but what a difference a couple years makes. After cracking ESPN's list of the execs, coaches, and scouts of the top 10 running backs last offseason, the former Clemson standout didn't get the nod this time. That said, there's a glimmer of hope.
Even though Etienne didn't make the cut on the list, he did get an honorable mention, with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN noting that how new Liam Coen uses the fifth-year running back will be worth keeping an eye on. Here's the skinny.
"Etienne failed to deliver a third consecutive 1,000-yard season for the struggling Jags in 2024, rushing for 558 yards and two touchdowns on a career-low 3.7 yards per carry," Fowler wrote. "How first-year coach Liam Coen integrates Etienne into the offense will be among the storylines worth watching in 2025 training camp."
On a related note, Etienne also got an honorable mention on the top-10 list after his impressive 2022 campaign.
A first-round pick in 2021, Etienne missed his whole rookie campaign after suffering a Lisfranc injury. However, he bounced back the following year and quickly showcased the skills that made him a game-changer for the Tigers, totaling over 1,400 yards from scrimmage.
Although the offensive line couldn't open lanes in 2023, Etienne still managed to tally his second 1,000-yard season. Unfortunately, he suffered a dip in production in 2024 due to a shoulder injury and Tank Bigsby's ascension. Now, the Louisiana native is entering a contract year and will need to showcase that he's the same player he was two years ago if he wants to get paid by the Jags or someone else in 2026.
Working against Etienne is that Bigsby outplayed him last year and Jacksonville drafted Bhayshul Tuten in April. In fact, he's been the subject of trade chatter throughout the offseason precisely because of his dip in production and how stacked the Jags are at running back.
And while Coen has put to rest any trade speculation about Etienne, nobody would be surprised if he's dealt at some point in 2025 precisely because Jacksonville has Bigsby and Tuten in the fold.
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Why Travis Etienne can bounce back for the Jaguars in 2025
It's hard to see Travis Etienne returning to ESPN's top 10 list next year given how stacked the Jacksonville Jaguars are at running back. That said, he could most definitely bounce back and be as productive as he was in 2022 and 2023.
For starters, Etienne has already proved in 2022 that he can return from an injury and had a banner year when he did so. But leaving aside that he was hurt last year, the Jags couldn't block up front. That no longer should be an issue after the team's brass beefed up the offensive trenches in the offseason.
On the other hand, Etienne is getting a chance to compete and has so far impressed the coaching staff. It's also worth noting that, as dynamic as Tuten is, he still needs to prove himself. In fact, the Jags could ultimately hold onto ETN if his rookie counterpart isn't ready.
Having said that, there's still a chance the Jaguars will send Etienne packing in 2025, especially if a team that suffers an injury at running back or isn't thrilled about its group gives them a call before the trade deadline.
The truth is that it's hard to tell how things will play out. Etienne could rebound and prove he's still the same talented player he was a couple of years ago, but nobody will blink if the Jags decide to trade him. At this point, it looks like a coin flip. On the bright side and regardless of where he plays, the veteran running back is poised to bounce back.
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