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Jacksonville Jaguars OTAs observations: With no Travis Etienne, can running game survive?
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- Jacksonville Jaguars OTAs observations: With no Travis Etienne, can running game survive?
The Jacksonville Jaguars were back on the field of the Miller Electric Center for the fourth organized team activity practice on Tuesday, May 27.
The team has reached the halfway mark for voluntary offseason workouts and will wrap up with the final four practices before conducting mandatory minicamp from June 10-12.
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Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a much cleaner practice than his first media available performance this offseason. He only tossed one interception, with safety Andrew Wingard making a good play on the ball during 7-on-7 competition.
Two-Way Travis: Jaguars' Liam Coen reveals Travis Hunter spent time on defense during OTA No. 3
Lawrence almost connected with rookie Travis Hunter on a pass near the sideline, but Hunter couldn't hold on to the ball. It would've been a big-time play, with Hunter contorting his body mid-air to attempt to catch the ball.
If he did hold on to the ball, he might've injured himself as the team isn't in padded gear and it would've been an awkward fall.
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However, the play of the day came from a nice throw from Lawrence to tight end Brenton Strange . Strange snagged a pass along the sideline over the outstretched arms of defensive back Jarrian Jones .
It was a good catch, but he also made sure to get both feet inbounds prior to his momentum carrying him out of bounds.
Let's look at a few notable observations from OTA No. 4 for the Jacksonville Jaguars :
Travis Etienne was absent from Jacksonville Jaguars OTA No. 4
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball to running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Running back Travis Etienne was not present at the practice. According to head coach Liam Coen, he had travel issues after the holiday weekend.
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Etienne is entering the final year of his deal and the Jaguars drafted two running backs in April's NFL Draft. He could find himself traded prior to the season, but OTA 4 showed why that might be a risky proposition.
The Jaguars are largely inexperienced in the room. Etienne is a lead back, recording more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons playing.
The next closest player on the roster would be third-year back Tank Bigsby , who has been inconsistent. Then there's three backs who have little to no experience in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen (36), right, runs sprints during the fourth organized team activity at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Tuesday, May 27, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
There's Keilan Robinson , who missed most of his rookie season due to injury. Then there's rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, who haven't stood out in the small window to view them.
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Without Etienne, what's the confidence that the rushing attack can be a viable option to relieve Lawrence? Especially with how much Coen likes to run the football.
Something to think about.
Travis Hunter practices with the offense again, Liam Coen reveals he's already practiced with the defense
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) catches a pass during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Travis Hunter was back after his busy weekend, getting married on Saturday and going viral for surprising a young football player on Monday.
Hunter was practicing as a member of the offense again, though, Coen revealed he did practice with the defense during OTA No. 3 . As we said in our observations last week, there's a method behind Jacksonville's plan with Hunter.
He's still a very raw player and needs as many reps on offense he can get. The time spent this summer learning offense will pay dividends for the team during the regular season.
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OTA No. 4 wasn't notable for the rookie. However, we'll still keep an eye on him throughout the duration of offseason workouts and into training camp.
Cam Camper makes impressive catch during 11-on-11 action
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cam Camper (17) catches a pass during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
The Jaguars are finally in Phase III of the offseason, so they're able to do offense vs. defense drills. During OTA No. 1, the defense was noticeably ahead of Jacksonville's offense. It seems the offense made up some ground this week.
We already mentioned the catch made by Strange, but it wasn't the only nice play made by Jacksonville's offense.
During 11-on-11 drills, undrafted free agent wide receiver Cam Camper scored a touchdown. He blazed down the field and made a fingertip grab as Doneiko Slaughter and Rayuan Lane collided.
With the two defenders wiped out, Camper trotted to the end zone. Coen referenced the catch after practice while discussing some of the younger receivers who are competing for roster spots.
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He illustrated how difficult it is for young players to catch on post-draft as they are taking in so much information that most veteran players have had for more than a month prior to the draft.
The wide receiver position, especially, will be one to monitor as guys compete for spots behind Jacksonville's top players.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars OTA observations: Offense misses Travis Etienne
