The Jacksonville Jaguars will have to wait a while longer before unleashing Trevor Lawrence-Travis Etienne connection on NFL defenses. Etienne, who was Jags’ first-round pick in this year’s draft just like his Clemson teammate Lawrence, suffered a foot injury that will force him to miss the entire 2021 season.
Etienne got hurt in Monday’s preseason game against New Orleans Saints, being forced to leave the field after playing just three downs. The Jags initially assumed that the 22-year-old running back is dealing with a sprain after his X-ray results came back negative. However, further testing revealed a Lisfranc injury that requires surgery.
According to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, Etienne’s initial recovery timeline was 12 weeks, which would give the player an opportunity to return at some point in 2021. Still, the Jags opted to place him on injured reserve and postpone his pro debut until next year.
Travis Etienne was a productive player at college, rushing for 4,952 yards on 7.2 yards per carry and 70 touchdowns in four years with Clemson. He also emerged as a weapon in the passing game in his last two college seasons, totaling 85 catches for 1,020 yards and six TDs.
Etienne’s ability to contribute on the ground and in the air was one of the major reasons why the Jags drafted him 25th overall in 2021. The team’s new head coach Urban Meyer frequently mentioned how he envisions him as a hybrid back that will get reps both behind the line of scrimmage and on the wide receiver position.
The Jags are now forced to adjust their game plan and find other contributors while we have to wait for 2022 to see Meyer’s plan in action.
