Who Should I Start? Travis Etienne Jr. or Jaylen Warren

Saturday, July 12, 11:10 PM

According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. needs to have a strong year to be considered a "marquee target" in free agency next offseason. If not, he could become "a back who gets lumped in with the pool of veterans who cycle through one-year deals." The 26-year-old began his career by amassing over 1,000 rushing yards while totaling 17 touchdowns in his first two active seasons. Unfortunately, he's coming off his worst season in the National Football League, accumulating 558 yards and two scores off 150 touches. Tank Bigsby was more productive overall throughout the 2024 campaign. However, it's a new era in Jacksonville, with the organization hiring former Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen to serve as the head coach. In addition, the Jags bolstered the running back position by selecting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how the backfield situation takes shape during training camp. Although Etienne's fantasy stock has never been lower, it appears he at least has a chance to turn things around in 2025. If anything, Etienne should be selected for insurance purposes in case Bigsby goes down with an injury.

Friday, July 25, 8:20 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was going through first-team reps during the beginning of Thursday's practice. It would make sense that Warren would get the first chance at the starting job in Pittsburgh. He has earned that opportunity after putting in solid work as the backup over the last few seasons. Most notably, Warren rushed for 784 yards with four touchdowns while earning a 5.26 yards per carry during the 2023 season. The departure of Najee Harris will give Warren a chance to earn full-time reps this upcoming season. However, third-round pick Kaleb Johnson figures to be breathing down his neck. The Iowa product should immediately be in the mix in what many believe will be a co-starter role. It's hard to imagine either back running away with the job, so a co-starter type of situation seems likely.