Who Should I Start? Trayveon Williams or Travis Etienne

Friday, August 18, 11:00 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams (ankle) is almost ready to return from the right-ankle injury that he suffered 15 days ago, and he expects to return to training camp practice this week. Williams was in a walking boot after his injury but is now out of it and should return to the field soon, which will give him enough time to work his way into shape for Week 1 of the regular season. When healthy, the 25-year-old will compete with Chris Evans and rookie Chase Brown for the backup gig behind starter Joe Mixon in 2023. Williams had only six carries and two catches in 2022, so it's probably going to take an injury or two for him worthy of a waiver-wire pickup in fantasy leagues.

Sunday, April 28, 1:02 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said on Saturday that the team is picking up the fifth-year option for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr. It's no surprise that the Jags will pick up the options for the former Clemson teammates with the deadline to do so coming next Thursday. The 24-year-old Lawrence has been given even more weapons in Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas after Calvin Ridley left in free agency this offseason. Injuries hurt Lawrence in the second half of 2023, and with better health in 2024, he could easily rebound as a strong midrange QB1 for fantasy. Etienne has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons while also catching 93 total passes for 792 yards. Tank Bigsby could be a thorn in his side as he gets more involved in the backfield, but Etienne is still an attractive fantasy RB in an offense that could be even more explosive this year.