Travis Etienne Jr. received the go-ahead to make his return from a foot injury in Week 13 against the Detroit Lions, according to Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson.
Etienne exited the Jaguars’ Week 12 win over the Baltimore Ravens after taking only two carries. While he was never officially ruled out from the game and Pederson later said Etienne could’ve returned, the running back watched from the sideline while JaMycal Hasty took the majority of the snaps in the Jacksonville backfield.
After the game, Etienne said he’d be ready to play against the Lions. He has continued to insist through the week that he’d make his return in Week 13, but Jaguars coaches said they’d be cautious and wouldn’t put the running back in the lineup unless he’s 100 percent.
On Friday, Pederson told reporters that Etienne appears “good to go” for Sunday before he later said he’s “optimistic” about the running back playing. Pederson also said that if Etienne plays Sunday, it’ll probably mean Darrell Henderson — who was recently claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams — is inactive.
Etienne has 728 rushing yards, 202 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 11 games with the Jaguars. Earlier this season, he had a stretch of five consecutive games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage.