Who Should I Start? Travis Etienne Jr. or Kaleb Johnson

Monday, August 4, 7:10 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are listed as co-starters on the team's first unofficial depth chart this week. Etienne and Bigsby have shared first-team reps during training camp so far this summer, so this doesn't come as much of a surprise. Bigsby is expected to handle most of the physical work between the tackles in 2025, while Etienne is being seen as a dangerous component as part of new head coach Liam Coen's screen game. Meanwhile, rookie Bhayshul Tuten is a speed threat with lots of home run ability. Even rookie LeQuint Allen Jr. could have a role in Jacksonville's backfield this year as a pass-catching option. After Bigsby looked like the more explosive back in 2024, Etienne's fantasy value has dropped to RB3/flex levels, with him being more attractive now in PPR formats.

Sunday, August 10, 12:43 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson turned eight carries into 20 rushing yards and hauled in one of two targets for six receiving yards in a 31-25 preseason win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The rookie handled RB1 duties for Pittsburgh in the first half before he was eventually replaced by Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, and Lew Nichols. Although Johnson could not find much room to operate on Saturday, he notably ran through the arms of a diving Travis Hunter for a seven-yard gain early in the second quarter. The fact that veteran Jaylen Warren was inactive confirms his standing as the Steelers' featured back, meaning Johnson will need to earn playing time early in the regular season. His next opportunity to showcase his talents will come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week.