Travis Etienne has been absent from the Jaguars’ lineup for the past two weeks, but Sunday could mark his return. Whenever the fourth-year running back is next on the field, he is slated to reclaim his starting spot. 
Etienne’s hamstring injury opened the door for Tank Bigsby to take on an increased workload during Jacksonville’s London win over New England. The 2023 third-rounder rushed for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns during that contest, and he followed it up by producing 86 scrimmage yards last week. In spite of that success, head coach Doug Pederson is prepared to keep Etienne atop 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 spoken about a desire to reduce Etienne’s workload after he totaled 580 touches across the 2022 and ’23 seasons. Bigsby handling a notable role when both backs are in the fold would help achieve that goal. Indeed, the eighth-year coach said Bigsby’s contrasting skillset should allow him to remain a regular figure on offense moving forward. With wideout Christian Kirk sidelined for the rest of the season, it would come as no surprise if Jacksonville adopted more of a run-heavy approach on offense.
Etienne – who has been a limited participant in practice every day this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest – had his fifth-year option picked up this offseason. As a result, the Clemson product is on the books for a $6.14MM salary next year; that lessens the chances of a trade being worked out ahead of this year’s deadline. The 2-6 Jaguars dealt away longtime left tackle Cam Robinson earlier this week, though, so further moves from a seller’s standpoint could be on the way.
Provided Etienne remains in place for the rest of the year, his performance in the RB1 role with be worth watching closely. The 25-year-old missed his entire rookie campaign but delivered a strong showing in 2022 with a 5.1 yards per carry average. That figure fell to 3.8 last year, and a bounce-back in efficiency to close out the current campaign would be welcomed by team and player. Etienne should have ample opportunity to return to his previous form upon return.