Jags' Travis Etienne Jr. Week-to-Week with Injury; Tank Bigsby Among Top Waiver RBs

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson revealed that running back Travis Etienne Jr. is considered week-to-week with a hamstring injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Eitenne left in the third quarter of the Jaguars' 35-16 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday and did not return.

From a fantasy football perspective, the 25-year-old's expected absence will likely result in a larger role for teammate Tank Bigsby. Bigsby is currently rostered in just 63 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

Etienne has been inconsistent to start the 2024 season, as he's recorded just 16 rush yards on nine carries over the past two weeks. While he exited Sunday's contest early and was limited in practice with a shoulder issue leading up to the game, it's still a worrying trend for the former first-round pick.

After recording 1,125 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, Etienne averaged a mere 3.8 yards per carry during the following year in 2023. He's recorded just 4.1 yards per carry this season, rushing for 230 yards in six starts.

Bigsby has been much more effective when given opportunities with the ball in his hands, picking up 297 yards on the ground despite recording 41 carries. His role in Jacksonville's offense gradually increased prior to Etienne's injury, as Bigsby recorded more snaps than his teammate during the Jaguars' 37-34 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.

Fantasy managers searching for additions to replace Etienne could also target New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. on waivers. Tracy has rushed for 179 yards and a touchdown in his previous two games and is currently available in 55 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright could also be a waiver option, although his usage has fluctuated throughout the start of the 2024 season. Still, he racked up 86 yards on 13 attempts in Miami's Week 5 win against the New England Patriots. Wright is only rostered in nine percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

With Etienne expected to miss time, Bigsby should take on a larger offensive load as the Jaguars attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 1-5 start.