Travis Etienne Jr. finished his first true NFL season with big numbers, but the Jacksonville Jaguars running back is already looking at what he can do in the offseason to prepare for a better year in 2023. Step one: Bulk up.
“I was really happy I was healthy this whole season,” Etienne told reporters Monday. “I just want to put on a little muscle mass, a little more weight, because those guys are really big.”
Etienne, who is listed at 210 pounds, missed his entire rookie season because of a foot injury. He finished the 2022 regular season with 1,125 rushing yards and five touchdowns along with 35 receptions for another 316 yards. In the Jaguars’ two playoff games, Etienne added 171 rushing yards and a touchdown.
But late in the season, including in the divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Etienne was kept on the sideline for long stretches while JaMycal Hasty saw increased playing time. Etienne, who regularly played 50-plus snaps per game earlier in the year, was on the field for fewer than 30 snaps in three of Jacksonville’s last four games.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson gave vague answers when asked about the suddenly limited snaps for Etienne, but it seemed that his pass blocking became a concern. On Monday, Etienne listed that as one of several areas where he’ll look to improve in the offseason.
A bigger and stronger version of Etienne in 2023 could be better in that facet. Concerns about his fumbling could also diminish if he has a stronger grip on the football.
