Travis Etienne: Should Fantasy Managers Worry About His Workload?
Is it already time to sell high on Travis Etienne? Probably…
For fantasy managers expecting Etienne to take a mega jump in 2023, they’re likely going to be disappointed. It sure sounds like Etienne is very much going to be part of a committee and the Jags have no interest in running their back into the ground.
Reports out of Jags camp indicate that the team intends to limit Etienne’s touches during the season. Apparently, it’s something Etienne commented on and feels totally fine with the team’s approach.
“I feel like it keeps the wear and tear off my body,” said Etienne, who ran for 1,125 yards and accounted for 1,441 yards from scrimmage. “I don’t have to go and bang myself up each and every play. I’ve got somebody else to take a couple licks off of me and I love that.”
Those who have been reading this site for a long time know I’m not exactly fond of Etienne as it is. I very much thought he was overdrafted and didn’t belong in round one. Not sure any running back who fumbles five times in a year is worth a first round pick but whatever. We can argue about how talented Etienne is but I’m not sure there is an argument for this news. The news of a mega time share is bad for his fantasy value.
I alluded to this in the fantasy rookie rankings, but Tank Bigsby appears to have a large role heading his way. D’Ernest Johnson, JaMychal Hasty, and Snoop Conner are also on the roster. Still, Bibsby is a big body back and a big upgrade over what the team had with James Robinson. There is a real chance Tank steals all of the touchdowns. Tank specializes in breaking tackles and is the perfect runner to complement the smaller Etienne.
Fantasy Pros has Etienne as the 11th ranked RB heading into the season. I think that’s WAY too high. I’d much rather have Kenneth Walker or Rhamondre Stevenson ranked directly under him. If Etienne doesn’t get the volume to lead you to fantasy success, don’t say you weren’t warned.
