Travis Etienne has missed the Jaguars’ last two games, but he could return to the field on Sunday.
When the fourth-year running back does make his comeback, he is expected to resume his role as the starter.
Etienne’s hamstring injury created an opening for Tank Bigsby to see increased action during Jacksonville’s victory over New England in London.
The 2023 third-round pick made an impact, rushing for 118 yards and scoring two touchdowns in that game, then followed up with 86 scrimmage yards last week.
Despite Bigsby’s strong performance, head coach Doug Pederson plans to keep Etienne at the top of the depth chart.
“I’m a believer where injury doesn’t replace your position,” Pederson said (via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco). “I think you have to have a fair competition for us. We’re blessed to have two really good running backs right now. When Etienne comes back, he’s just as explosive, just as good, just as powerful, and it’s still his job.”
Pederson has previously expressed a desire to reduce Etienne’s workload after he accumulated 580 touches across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Using Bigsby in a significant role when both backs are available would help accomplish that. In fact, the eighth-year coach noted that Bigsby’s complementary skillset should allow him to remain a regular presence in the offense going forward.
With wide receiver Christian Kirk out for the rest of the season, Jacksonville might lean toward a more run-focused offensive strategy.
Etienne – a limited participant in practice each day this week and listed as questionable for Sunday – had his fifth-year option picked up this offseason, securing him a $6.14 million salary for next year.
That financial commitment reduces the likelihood of a trade before this season’s deadline.
However, with the 2-6 Jaguars trading away longtime left tackle Cam Robinson earlier this week, additional moves from a seller’s standpoint may still be possible.
Assuming Etienne stays with the team for the remainder of the season, his performance as the lead running back will be closely monitored.
The 25-year-old, who missed his entire rookie year, made a strong impression in 2022 with an average of 5.1 yards per carry.
That dropped to 3.8 yards per carry last season, so a return to efficiency would be a welcome sight for both Etienne and the team.
He should have plenty of opportunities to regain his previous form once he’s back in action.
