According to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated, the team is perfectly fine with letting their running back room as it is. This means Bhayshul Tuten will replace Travis Etienne as the starter, while newly-signed Chris Rodriguez will serve as the backup.

Etienne himself is going to see his snaps shared with Alvin Kamara in New Orleans. Still, it’s somewhat surprising to see the Jaguars content with what they have right now, given how important was Etienne for them last season.

Tuten is poised for a breakout season

Tuten had 83 attempts for 307 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season. The fact is that was enough for head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone to convince them to give Tuten the spotlight.

To be fair to Tuten, he is a strong, powerful runner who is very hard to bring down. However, he is not as elusive or as swift as Etienne is. This is a golden opportunity for him to prove his worth.

The Jaguars are not done

Jacksonville has signed just one free agent this season, but he was notoriously busy after the draft last year. According to Shipley, this year could be the same as he reported that the Jaguars will be “swinging this offseason.”

“It just makes it better for both of us,” Etienne said during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show. “Every time we’re out there, we want to feel fresh. It keeps the defense on their toes. They’ve gotta worry about two guys instead of one. I feel like it’s only gonna make the team better.”

The NFC South used to be one of the most balanced divisions last season. The Saints, with this duo of running backs, aim to break the mold and steamroll everyone heading into the upcoming season.

Will Kamara remain a Saint?

Alvin Kamara’s status with the New Orleans Saints is currently on high alert as the team evaluates his future for the 2026 season. Despite a recent contract restructure that lowered his cap hit to approximately $10.5 million, the front office is reportedly considering further adjustments, including a potential pay cut or even a roster cut.

A lethal backfield in New Orleans

In the 2025 season, Travis Etienne Jr. established himself as a workhorse, rushing for 1,107 yards and 7 touchdowns on 260 carries, while adding 292 receiving yards and 6 scores through the air. In contrast, Alvin Kamara saw a more limited role in 11 games, finishing the year with 471 rushing yards, 186 receiving yards, and one total touchdown on the ground.

More ground options for Moore

The Saints’ running back room is full of talent. In addition to the aforementioned Etienne and Kamara, the depth chart is complemented by the following players:

• Kendre Miller
• Devin Neal
• Ty Chandler
• Audric Estime
• Evan Hull

Speaking to the press, Etienne said, “Tyler, he’s a great person, talking with him and being with him last night, you can sense the hunger, you can sense that he wants it for the city as well.” Now, the Super Bowl is everybody’s dream, though the Saints have still ways to go before that.

Etienne said that watching Shough improve down the stretch was a key factor to sign with his hometown team. He said it “definitely was a factor.” However, going back to his hometown was the primary motivation.

Shough was the rookie with most wins at the QB position

Shough had more wins than Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. However, while he impressed more than anyone thought, there are still some doubts around what he can produce long term.

Shough had a 5-4 record, completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He became very effective under the Kellen Moore scheme. Now, he must avoid the feared sophomore slump.

The NFC South is there for the taking

The NFC South was won by the Panthers last year with an 8-9 record. The Buccaneers also finished 8-9 and their head coach is on the hot seat. Hence, if the Saints keep improving, they might be able to return to the NFL Playoffs.

While Kellen Moore didn’t speak on Alvin Kamara’s future, the message for the new faces coming in is clear now. According to Moore,“I think if there’s a theme, a bunch of high-character guys, guys that we love in this locker room, that are going to be great teammates, great people in this community, and obviously we certainly recognize the ability for them to perform on the field. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

And the Saints really need those kinds of guys. After a dreadful start to the 2025 NFL season, they started to show character and glimpses of a good future down the stretch. Hence, bringing more productive, high-character guys could boost this team to new heights.

Etienne is coming off a career-resurgence year

After having two 1,000-yard seasons, Etienne‘s third year in the NFL was very worrisome. He basically cut his production in half and had only two touchdowns. It was not a great look. However, with the arrival of Liam Coen as the Jaguars head coach, Etienne was once again a deadly threat.

He resurfaced as a top-tier back with 1,399 scrimmage yards and a career-high 13 total touchdowns. Now, the Saints get a young, dual-threat back to keep the production going. After Alvin Kamara, having Etienne means the playbook basically remains the same.

Etienne might be the best thing to happen to Tyler Shough

Tyler Shough overcame expectations last year. No one had really much to hope for with Shough. However, he started nine games and had a 5-4 record, completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Still, Shough needs help. He doesn’t have the best arm and he wants to take care of the ball. Hence, having a weapon that can catch passes from the backfield is just a gift from heaven. Also, Kellen Moore is a highly effective playcaller, so he can easily draw some productive plays for the two.

Etienne made the decision to leave the Jaguars after five seasons, embracing a new chapter of his NFL career. He headed to the New Orleans Saints after they signed him to a four-year deal worth up to $52 million, boosting the Saints’ RB depth chart—which already includes Alvin Kamara.

Lawrence shared his thoughts on the news through social media, as NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed. “We’ve come a long way!! Going to miss you man. Been a hell of an 8 year run. Best is yet to come,” Lawrence wrote.

Lawrence and Etienne were teammates throughout their entire college careers at Clemson Tigers football from 2018 to 2020 before entering the NFL in 2021. They later played together as full-time starters for four straight seasons, helping the Jaguars reach the playoffs twice during that span. Both players emerged as key figures during those years, developing strong chemistry as an offensive duo.

The Lawrence and Etienne duo

Etienne leaves behind a significant gap in the Jaguars’ running back unit after serving as the full-time starter from 2021 to 2025. This past season, he started in all but one game, recording 260 rushes for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns, while also adding 36 receptions for 292 yards and six touchdowns.

Jacksonville finished the 2025 NFL season with a 12-5 record, winning the AFC South Division title. The Jaguars finished ahead of the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. In the AFC standings, they placed third, finishing ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Texans, while sitting behind the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos.

As insider Jordan Schultz reported, the Saints have signed Travis Etienne Jr, who became a free agent after his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Etienne Jr. is now joining Kamara and company on a New Orleans team that is eyeing the next step in its rebuild.

Etienne is now joining a running back room in NOLA that features Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and Audric Estime, via ESPN. At least one of them will have to make way for Etienne Jr when the 2026 NFL season gets underway.

Jaguars depth chart at RB

As for the Jaguars, in less than a year they have parted ways with what many expected to be their one-two punch for a long time. Trading Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles last season and letting Etienne walk as an unrestricted free agent before the 2026 NFL campaign, Liam Coen will be commanding a very different half back’s room.

As listed on ESPN, the Jaguars’ running back options feature Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and DeeJay Dallas. Based on where it currently stands, Jacksonville could be a name to watch in the HB market both during free agency and in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Etienne Jr. contract details

According to Adam Schefter, the Saints have handed Etienne Jr. a four-year contract worth $52 million. Thus, Etienne is set to make an average of $13 million per season. Etienne could prove crucial for New Orleans, who last year witnessed an injury bug deplete its running back room, watching Kamara, Miller, and Neal all go down.

Moreover, Travis Etienne is now joining the NFC South, where his younger brother, Trevor Etienne, plays for the Carolina Panthers. The Etienne household may need to start making reservations as the siblings will face each other twice during the 2026 campaign.

With a negative record of two losses and six wins so far this season, Doug Pederson’s squad will travel to Philadelphia with the primary goal of securing a victory that could spark some hope as they head into the final stretch of the tournament, a feat that is becoming increasingly challenging.

The biggest news for the Jaguars this weekend is that RB Travis Etienne Jr. has been confirmed to play in the upcoming game, after missing time on the field due to a hamstring injury.

The news was reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport via his X account (formerly Twitter) @RapSheet: “Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby (ankle) and RB Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) are both likely to play today, barring a setback, sources say. It’s the same for WR Brian Thomas Jr. (chest), though Gabe Davis (shoulder) appears to be more of a long-shot.”

As Rapoport noted, the return of Etienne Jr. comes alongside the return of fellow running back Tank Bigsby, who was also dealing with an injury. If deemed fit by the coaching staff, both players will be available for selection.

What happened with Etienne Jr.?

During Week 6 of the NFL, in a tough matchup against the Chicago Bears, RB Travis Etienne Jr. had to leave the field in the second quarter due to an injury.

After undergoing the necessary tests, it was confirmed that Etienne Jr. suffered a hamstring injury. At that time, Tank Bigsby stepped in to replace him, participating in the majority of the plays.

Once the situation with the RB was confirmed, head coach Doug Pederson stated that they would address it “week to week”. Fortunately for the Jaguars, Etienne’s return is imminent, and he could see playing time against the Eagles if the coach decides to use him.

Another anticipated return for the Jaguars

In addition to a lackluster performance in terms of results and consistency, the Jaguars have also faced a significant number of injuries this season. Brian Thomas Jr., who had been sidelined due to a severe chest injury, will also be able to return to play against the Eagles.

With this, Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence will have three key offensive players at their disposal in a crucial matchup that will significantly impact the immediate future of the Florida franchise.

Jacksonville Jaguars upcoming matches:

• vs Philadelphia Eagles, November 3rd
• vs Minnesota Vikings, November 10th
• vs Detroit Lions, November 17th
• vs Houston Texans, December 1st
• vs Tennessee Titans, December 8th

Etienne has emerged as one of the most productive running backs in the NFL this season. He currently ranks eighth in the league in rushing yards and third in rushing touchdowns. He has also been a valuable contributor in the passing game, hauling in 36 receptions for 312 yards and a touchdown.

With a solid 8-3 record, the Jaguars appear poised to make the playoffs. With Travis Etienne at full health, they could potentially make a deep playoff run.

Travis Etienne’s monday night football

According to Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, Travis Etienne will be available to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, December 4 in the running back’s 12th start this season.

Etienne’s performance in 2023 has been a major factor in the Jaguars’ success this season. The Jaguars are currently in first place in the AFC South. In the event that Etienne is not available, the Jaguars have two other options available.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of a turnaround under new head coach Doug Pederson. After years of struggles, the Jaguars are finally starting to look like a competitive team. After monday game they will have to play against Browns, Ravens, Buccaneers, Panthers and Titans.

Pederson, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, has brought a winning culture to Jacksonville. He has also instilled a sense of confidence in his players, who believe that they can win every game.

What happens if Travis Etienne gets injured and can’t play again anymore?

The Jacksonsville Jaguars have two options, Tank Bigsby and D’Ernest Johnson, they have played in every game with the Jaguars this season, Etienne is the starter but in case he can’t play anymore Bigsby would be the option to replace him definitely.

How common are injuries for running backs?

Running backs are one of the most injury-prone positions in football. According to a study by the NFL, running backs miss an average of 1.8 games per season due to injury. The most common injuries for running backs are ankle sprains, hamstring strains, and knee injuries.