Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby Share Backfield for Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for the 2025 NFL season, a dynamic shift in their rushing attack is taking shape: star running back Travis Etienne Jr. will share the backfield with second-year standout Tank Bigsby, creating a versatile, two-headed rushing threat that the team hopes will elevate their offense to new heights. After relying heavily on Etienne as the sole featured back in 2024—a season where he rushed for 1,214 yards but also dealt with late-season fatigue—the Jaguars have opted to lean into their depth, using Bigsby’s unique skill set to complement Etienne and keep both players fresh throughout the long campaign. This partnership isn’t just a response to last year’s challenges; it’s a strategic choice to exploit mismatches against opposing defenses, add balance to an offense led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and turn the Jaguars’ running game into one of the most feared in the AFC. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby Share Backfield for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a personnel tweak; it’s a reinvention of the team’s ground attack.

The success of Etienne and Bigsby’s backfield share hinges on their complementary skill sets, which allow the Jaguars to adapt their rushing strategy to any opponent or game situation. Etienne, a fifth-year veteran with elite speed (4.40 40-yard dash) and agility, excels at outside runs and catching passes out of the backfield—he hauled in 42 receptions for 380 yards in 2024, making him a dual-threat weapon. His ability to turn a short toss into a 20-yard gain or outrun linebackers to the edge makes him ideal for spread formations and passing downs. Bigsby, meanwhile, is a physical power back at 5’11”, 215 pounds, with a knack for interior runs and short-yardage situations. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry in limited reps last season, using his strength to break tackles and push the pile for extra yards—traits that shine in goal-line scenarios and against defenses stacked to stop the run. This contrast lets the Jaguars switch between “speed” and “power” looks seamlessly: Etienne can stretch the defense wide on first down, then Bigsby can punch through the interior on second and short. Coaches have already noted how this versatility keeps defenses guessing, with offensive coordinator Press Taylor saying, “Having two backs who excel in different areas means we never have to adjust our game plan—we adjust our back.” Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby Share Backfield for Jacksonville Jaguars is built on this perfect balance of speed and power.

A key part of the Jaguars’ plan for Etienne and Bigsby is a structured snap distribution that maximizes each player’s strengths while preventing fatigue. During training camp, the team has implemented a “rotation by situation” approach: Etienne takes the majority of snaps on first down (60-65%) and all passing downs, where his receiving ability is most valuable, while Bigsby handles 70% of second-and-short (2 yards or less) and goal-line reps, leveraging his power to convert critical plays. On third down, the split depends on the distance: Etienne stays in for third-and-long (to catch or run outside), while Bigsby steps in for third-and-short (to push for a first down). This structure isn’t rigid, though—coaches will also factor in game flow, with Etienne getting more reps if the Jaguars need to play catch-up (using his speed to create big plays) and Bigsby taking over if the team is leading and wants to control the clock. Early camp scrimmages have already shown promise: in a recent session, Etienne scored a 35-yard touchdown on an outside run, then Bigsby followed with a 1-yard goal-line plunge on the next drive. This rotation isn’t just about splitting snaps; it’s about using each player at the moments they’re most likely to succeed. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby Share Backfield for Jacksonville Jaguars is a masterclass in situational football.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this backfield partnership also has a direct impact on the passing game, as it creates more opportunities for Lawrence and the team’s wide receivers. When Etienne is on the field, defenses are forced to assign a fast linebacker or safety to cover him in the flat—opening up gaps for wideouts like Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk to run deep routes. Bigsby’s presence, meanwhile, draws extra interior defenders (like nose tackles or middle linebackers) to stop the run, leaving the secondary shorthanded and creating one-on-one matchups for the Jaguars’ receivers. This synergy was on display in a recent preseason practice, where Bigsby’s fake run drew two defenders inside, freeing Etienne to catch a screen pass and run 20 yards for a touchdown. The Jacksonville Jaguars have also added new plays to their playbook that feature both backs on the field at once—like “2-back sets” where Etienne lines up as a slot receiver and Bigsby stays in the backfield, forcing defenses to choose between covering Etienne or stopping Bigsby. These creative formations turn the backfield share into a passing-game asset, making the Jaguars’ offense even more difficult to defend. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby Share Backfield for Jacksonville Jaguars is a catalyst for the entire offense, not just the running game.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are also using the Etienne-Bigsby partnership to address a key issue from 2024: late-season rushing production. Last year, Etienne’s yards per carry dropped from 5.2 in the first 10 games to 3.9 in the final 6, as defenses adjusted to his style and fatigue set in. With Bigsby taking 30-35% of the rushing snaps, Etienne will get more rest between drives and fewer carries overall—reducing wear and tear and keeping his speed sharp in December. This longevity is critical for a Jaguars team with playoff aspirations, as a strong running game in the postseason can control the clock and limit opposing offenses. The Jacksonville Jaguars have also seen intangible benefits in camp: Etienne, a veteran leader, has taken Bigsby under his wing, sharing tips on reading defenses and handling the mental side of the game. Bigsby, in turn, has brought energy to the locker room, pushing Etienne to compete harder in drills. This mutual support has turned a “shared backfield” into a “teammate bond,” with both players saying they’re more focused on winning than individual stats. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby Share Backfield for Jacksonville Jaguars is as much about team chemistry as it is about on-field production.

Looking ahead, the success of Etienne and Bigsby’s backfield share could define the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 season, especially in a tough AFC South where they’ll face defenses like the Indianapolis Colts (ranked 10th in rushing defense in 2024) and the Houston Texans (who added star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in the offseason). If the duo can combine for 1,800+ rushing yards and 15+ touchdowns—numbers the coaching staff believes are achievable—the Jaguars could have one of the top 5 rushing attacks in the NFL, providing the balance needed to support Lawrence’s passing game. For Etienne, this partnership is a chance to stay healthy and compete for a Pro Bowl spot without carrying the entire rushing load. For Bigsby, it’s an opportunity to prove he’s more than just a backup and establish himself as a key part of the Jaguars’ future. For the franchise, it’s a step toward building a sustainable, championship-caliber offense. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby Share Backfield for Jacksonville Jaguars is a bold move, but one that could turn the Jaguars into serious contenders in the AFC.