We're fans of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. around these parts. I was a big fan of the Tank Bigsby trade. And, while others yapped about the fifth-year veteran possibly getting traded, we guessed he'd stay a Jag for 2025. Okay, we might have yapped, too, but that doesn't matter after Etienne attacked the San Francisco 49ers right out of the gates this week.
After linebacker Dennis Gardeck caused a fumble on the 49ers' second drive (coincidentally punching the ball out of the hands of former Jaguar tight end Luke Farrell), safety Andrew Wingard scooped it up for the first of two Jaguars first-half turnovers (so far!). On the next play from scrimmage, Travis Etienne Jr. toted the rock for a 48-yard scamper for the game's first touchdown.
No sign of slowing down.@swaggy_t1 | #JAXvsSF on FOXpic.twitter.com/traQNiJ9py
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 28, 2025
Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. turns on the jets this time
In a Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Etienne had a 71-yard run that didn't end in a touchdown. Despite the win—and the stellar game he had—he regretted how the run ended. "I should have looked at the Jumbotron," he said after the game (4:00 mark). "I lost track of the [defensive] back...he was just running. Dyami had a great block and sprung me a couple more yards."
He didn't only blame the Jumbotron, but took responsibility himself: "I gotta get 20 more yards on that, man. I seen I got 20 miles per hour, that's not enough. I gotta...keep working on my speed, 'cause we can't have that no more. We gotta finish those runs, man."
It looks like Etienne put it in the time working on his speed. He didn't look gassed at the end of the run like he did in Week 1. While his touchdown run against the 49ers wasn't quite as far as his season-long 71 yards against Carolina, it ended with points on the board. No. 1 seems to be making a case to return in the black and teal next year, as well.
Related: Jaguars suddenly find themselves rooting for NFC West team in Week 4
Final thoughts
The game's early, and so is the season, but Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been ticking all the right boxes. His versatility has long been a strength, and with the offensive line playing the way they have, fans should expect a few more long-distance runs from Etienne.