That development is notable, as the Jaguars selected running back Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round and running back LeQuint Allen in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted earlier this month that Tuten could be an immediate difference-maker since he spoke to "multiple people in the league who believe the new regime is not so high on Travis Etienne Jr., and Tank Bigsby has a fumbling issue."

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Jacksonville hired head coach Liam Coen this offseason, which means he was not with the team when it brought in Etienne and Bigsby. He was, however, with the team when it brought in Tuten and Allen.

Whether that will mean fewer opportunities for Etienne and Bigsby remains to be seen, but it could impact their long-term futures in Jacksonville.

This is set to be the final season of Etienne's contract, while Bigsby is signed through the 2026 campaign. Neither one is contractually positioned to be the Jaguars' running back of the future, and Etienne's absence from Tuesday's OTAs adds another variable to the situation.

Etienne also took a step back in terms of production last season.

The 2021 first-round draft pick surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023 after he missed his rookie season because of injury, but he had just 558 yards on a career-worst 3.7 yards per carry in 15 games in 2024.

Bigsby actually outproduced him on the ground with 766 yards and seven scores on 4.6 yards per carry.

Etienne was trending somewhat in the wrong direction even before the Jaguars brought in two rookie running backs during the draft. That makes the offseason all the more important for the Clemson product as he attempts to reestablish himself as the surefire starter.