Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Travis Etienne Jr.

Tuesday, May 20, 2:34 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) said his rehab and recovery efforts from a late-season sprained ankle have gone "great," and it has allowed him to prepare better this offseason compared to last. The former Dallas Cowboy enjoyed a relatively productive season in his first year with Tennessee, considering the poor offensive environment he played in. Overall, Pollard rushed 260 times for 1,079 yards and five touchdowns. He added 41 receptions for 238 yards through the air. While he should be penciled in as the team's RB1 again in 2025, he could split more time with Tyjae Spears if the former Tulane back can stay healthy. Additionally, sixth-round rookie running back Kalel Mullings, a 230-pound bruiser, could mix in near the goal line. Pollard continues to have RB2 upside and starting appeal in favorable matchups, but he might not operate as a workhorse next season.

Thursday, May 8, 8:25 AM

The Jacksonville Jaguars' new regime of coaches and executives is "not so high" on running back Travis Etienne Jr., according to league executives who have spoken with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. As a result, Fowler notes that rookie Bhayshul Tuten could carve out a role and make an impact right away. The Etienne era in Jacksonville has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. He dominated over his first two seasons, combining for 2,925 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns. He even finished eighth in Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2023. However, last season, after Tank Bigsby joined the backfield, Etienne's usage dwindled. He still started all 15 games he played, but he was often out-snapped and out-produced by Bigsby. Etienne finished his age-25 campaign with just 558 rushing yards, 254 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, all of which were career lows. He was already trending down ahead of this offseason, and the Jaguars' decision to bring in new faces (such as general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen) could spell disaster for the former first-round pick.