Jacksonville Jaguars lose one of their key playmakers in Travis Etienne

The Jacksonville Jaguars were dealt a major blow when it was announced rookie running back Travis Etienne would be placed on injured reserve and will miss the entire season. This injury will definitely impact the Jaguars’ running game and will also have a negative impact on the team’s passing game.

Etienne was injured in the team’s game vs. the New Orleans Saints after just his third snap of the game. While the injury news after the game sounded like it would just be a sprained foot it was announced on Tuesday that Etienne will miss the entire season due to the severity of the injury which will require surgery to replace.

This is a major blow for the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team was desperately counting on him being one of their top playmakers. He would have likely split carries with James Robinson in the backfield and been the team’s most explosive running backs. The Jaguars were also planning to use him in the passing game in a similar way to how the Florida Gators used Percy Harvin when Urban Meyer was his coach.

This is a role Travis Etienne was ideal for, having been one of the biggest weapons in college football over the previous four seasons. During his time with the Clemson Tigers, he had 55 rushes of over 20 yards which led college football. He was also one of Trevor Lawrence’s biggest threats in the passing game over this time frame.

Last season, Etienne recorded 48 receptions for 588 yards and earned a receiving grade of 90.9 by Pro Football Focus.

This injury could also affect the development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence since he will be losing a player he had a great connection with and also a player he could count on being a reliable check-down option.

The fact Travis Etienne will miss the entire season will also mean James Robinson and Carlos Hyde will see more carries this season while Laviska Shenault Jr. will likely be asked to fill Etienne’s role in the passing game.