Jaguars State of the Roster: Running Back

With the season officially over, it’s time we take a step back and review the roster, position by position, of the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to Free Agency, which is quietly approaching on March 13. Our very own John Shipley took a look at the quarterback position so now it's my turn to review running backs.

Let’s get it!

Under Contract

Travis Etienne Jr.

Age: 25.

Experience: 3 seasons/ 34 appearances/ 29 starts

2023 Production: 267 rushing attempts for 1,008 yards (3.8 yards per attempt) and 11 touchdowns rushing. 58 receptions for 476 yards and one touchdown receiving. Zero fumbles.

It would be an understatement to say the Jaguars’ rushing attack had a down year in 2023. Simply put, it was atrocious, likely the worst in the NFL. In 2022, Travis Etienne Jr. averaged 5.0 yards per attempt. Fast forward to 2023 and that figure plummeted to just 3.8 yards. So what happened?

Well the run-blocking just wasn’t there. It’s hard to fault Etienne Jr. too much when 25% of his rushes fail to even garner a single yard. Through a 17-game season, Eteinne Jr. mustered just two 100-yard rushing performances. What’s the good news?

Well Etienne Jr. managed to stay healthy all season, cleaned up his 2022 fumble tendency (knocks on wood) and became more active in the passing game. In fact when looking at Etienne’s total production, he improved upon his 2022 totals. The Jaguars’ starting tailback set career highs with 1,484 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns.

If the run-blocking can even manage to get around league-average, I’d expect Etienne’s impact to bounce back as a runner. His ability to force missed tackles and gain yards after contact still rank among the best in the NFL.

Tank Bigsby

Age: 22.

Experience: 1 season/ 17 appearances/ 0 starts

2023 Production: 50 rushing attempts for 132 yards (2.6 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns rushing. One reception for six yards and zero receiving touchdowns. Two fumbles.

In the NFL, a player’s “Welcome to the NFL” moment is something often discussed during a player’s rookie season. When it comes to the Jaguars’ Tank Bigsby he may have had one or two moments extra.

The former Auburn Tiger shined in preseason, rushing to the tune of 28 rushes for 159 yards, averaging 5.7 a rush. Sadly for Bigsby, reality came crashing down once the season started as fans began to associate the rookie with offensive turnovers. Luck just wasn’t on Bigsby’s side.

For Bigsby, 2024 is a chance for a fresh start and redemption. He figures to see his role expanded as D’Ernest Johnson is set to hit Free Agency and Etienne Jr. is the only other back on the roster. It’s obvious the front office will look to add to their position, however, I think the staff thinks more highly of Bigsby than the fans. I expect Bigsby to redeem himself and plant his flag as the Jaguars’ RB2.

Free Agents

D’Ernest Johnson

Age: 27.

Experience: 5 seasons/ 81 appearances/ 2 starts

2023 Production: 41 rushing attempts for 108 yards (2.6 yards per attempt) and zero touchdowns rushing. Ten receptions for 140 yards and zero receiving touchdowns. Zero fumbles.

D’ernest Johnson turned out to be… the Jaguars’ most impactful 2023 free agent signing. Interpret that as you will. Anyways, he had a decent season, interchanging with Tank Bigsby as the team’s backup running back.

Like Etienne and Bigsby, there wasn’t much room to run as Johnson’s 2.6 yards per attempt was similarly abysmal to the other two. Where Johnson did surprise was as a receiver, setting a career-high 140 yards out of the backfield. In fact, Johnson’s six first downs as a receiver surpassed his five as a rusher.

As far as Johnson as a free agent, I’m just not sure the production or talent warrants a need to bring him back. The Jaguars are noticeably thin at the position so the possibility is certainly there, however, running back is usually a position with more quantity than there is demand.