For the first five weeks of the season, Travis Etienne Jr. was nothing more than a name on the inactive list. The Jaguars, sitting at 5–0, were riding high in the standings but dead last in rushing — ranked 30th in the league. Coach Ke, despite the record, knew what everyone else knows in football: you can’t win in January without a ground game.
Enter Bhayshul Tuten, the rookie runner asked to shoulder the load. He showed flashes but never consistency, grinding out just 3.5 yards a carry and forcing Jacksonville to live and die by Trevor Lawrence’s arm.
Then came Week 6. On a cold, rainy afternoon in Seattle, the Jaguars’ offense sputtered through the first half. Midway through the third quarter, Coach Ke made a call that could change the direction of the season — he sent Etienne onto the field for his first snaps of the year.
The results were immediate and electric. Etienne gashed the Seahawks defense for 147 yards on 11 carries, including a breathtaking 55-yard burst that broke the game wide open. He racked up two touchdowns, looking every bit like the spark plug Jacksonville had been missing.
Suddenly, a comfortable 5–0 record felt like the start of something much bigger. With Etienne carrying the load, the Jaguars bullied Seattle 33–14, improving to 6–0 and proving they could dominate both through the air and on the ground.
But the performance raised an unexpected dilemma. Etienne isn’t just a star — he’s a star who wants to be paid. Coach Ke had already agreed in principle to move him, sticking to a long-term roster plan. Now, with the trade window opening, the Jaguars find themselves torn.
Beyond the numbers, there’s also the bond. Trevor Lawrence has been vocal about how much he values Etienne, dating back to their days together at Clemson. The chemistry between quarterback and running back is undeniable, and Lawrence has quietly pushed for his backfield partner to remain in Jacksonville. For the face of the franchise, keeping Etienne isn’t just a luxury — it’s personal.
Does Jacksonville double down on its Super Bowl push and risk losing Etienne in the offseason? Or does Coach Ke stick to the original script, cashing in on a player whose value just skyrocketed?
One thing is clear: Travis Etienne reminded the league who he is, and he did it at the perfect time. The Jaguars now have more than a winning record — they have a decision that could define their season.
