The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of work to do on the offensive side of the ball in terms of adding skill weapons around Trevor Lawrence, but some weapons on the team currently will be returning from injuries and could make big-time contributions. That includes veterans like tight end Dan Arnold and receiver Jamal Agnew, who had a good connection with the rookie quarterback when healthy.
Another name that fans often forget about who could provide a boost to the offense is the Jags’ other 2021 first-round pick in Travis Etienne, who was lost in the preseason with a Lisfranc injury. And while he only saw limited action before the injury, it was clear the Jags had plans for him and missed the speed they were hoping he would provide desperately.
However, with the season over, Etienne has been focused on his recovery and has made significant progress since the last update fans were given through former Jags interim coach Darrell Bevell in January. On a recent episode of The Players Podcast, Etienne told host Darien Rencher that he was now running and recently got back in the gym, too, to begin basic exercises like squats.
“My foot is doing much better,” Etienne said. “Really just got back into the gym for the first time and I’m squatting for the first time this past week. So that’s been good and I’ve been running for a while now. I’m kind of getting to that 80% to 85% range. Definitely, just heading in the right direction, and as you know with this injury you have to take it day-by-day man. You can’t skip no days.”
When considering the state of the Jags’ running back room with James Robinson sustaining a major injury, too, after an Achilles tear, this is certainly good news for Etienne, the team, and fans.
With the Jags naming Doug Pederson their new coach, the excitement to see Etienne in action may be a bit higher than it was before. As an innovative coach who has gotten some pretty respectable numbers out of rushers like Boston Scott and Miles Sanders, Etienne could be due for a great 2022 season.
Of course, before we get to that point he must get back to 100%, though. However, based on the news he broke to Rencher, it appears he’s focused on getting to that point and will be back to himself in no time.