Who is Travis Etienne’s handcuff? The Jacksonville Jaguars running back heads into the season as an unquestioned starter. After a foot injury wiped away his rookie year, the Clemson product struggled early in 2022 before contributing to the team’s postseason push.
Travis Etienne’s handcuff is Tank Bigsby. The 2023 third-round draft pick performed well for an Auburn offense that couldn’t block all that well and struggled at quarterback. The pre-season hype train has already left the station when it comes to the former Tiger so there is some reason to believe the team likes what he brings to the table.
Behind those two are a pair of veterans in JaMycal Hasty and D’Ernest Johnson. Both are solid players who have filled in admirably when needed throughout their respective careers. Hasty saw some usage as a change of pace back throughout last season and that may continue in 2023.
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Is Travis Etienne’s handcuff worth stashing?
No. There is no standalone value in Bigsby, Hasty or Johnson who won’t see enough volume to produce behind Etienne. Over 14 games in 2022, Hasty only saw 66 total touches or less than five per game, as the primary backup. That’s not worth a fantasy football roster spot.
It’s also difficult to foresee how the split in work would play out if Jacksonville’s lead back is injured. The most likely scenario would involve Bigsby handling the bulk of carries with Hasty seeing increased usage. But this is not a given.
The Jaguars could also lean more heavily on their dangerous passing attack which has added Calvin Ridley. This is a scenario where all three can be left on waivers unless something does happen to Etienne.
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