Jaguars’ Etienne out for season
Travis Etienne was supposed to be a game-changer for the Jaguars this season.
He might not have had the same impact as rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but Clemson’s other offensive star and the ACC’s all-time leading rusher looked like he would be a prominent figure — maybe even the go-to guy — in head coach Urban Meyer’s offense.
Matchup nightmare? Versatile play-maker? Big-play threat? Etienne was expected to provide that and more after Jacksonville chose him with the 25th pick in April’s draft.
Now, though, Meyer and the Jaguars will have to wait a year to see what Etienne can do in the NFL. Jacksonville placed the running back on injured reserve Tuesday, one day after he suffered a Lisfranc injury, a tarsometatarsal fracture-dislocation in the middle area of his left foot. Etienne sprained his foot during Monday night’s loss at New Orleans.
Because Etienne landed on IR before 53-man rosters get set next Tuesday, he cannot return this season.
Etienne had 4,952 yards in four seasons at Clemson. He also set ACC records for rushing touchdowns (70), total touchdowns (78) and points scored (468). He scored at least one touchdown in 46 of 55 career games, and the Jaguars were counting on him to have similar success as a rookie.
He was essentially uncoverable out of the backfield in training camp and one of Lawrence’s favorite targets near the goal line.
Rosen to Falcons: Quarterback Josh Rosen, with the 49ers for a short time, has signed with Atlanta and will compete to open the season as the backup quarterback.
Rosen replaces AJ McCarron, who suffered an ACL injury in a loss to Miami on Saturday night and was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.
Titans’ outbreak grows:
Tennessee has ramped up precautions at its team headquarters with its COVID-19 outbreak growing to four, and head coach Mike Vrabel said he received a monoclonal antibody treatment under doctor’s advice.
Vrabel remains in quarantine at his home, missing practices Monday and Tuesday while taking part in meetings via Zoom.
The Titans beat Tampa Bay 34-3 in Florida on Saturday night. Tampa Bay kicker Ryan Succop was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, and Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians said Succop went to dinner with some of his former teammates.
Tennessee linebacker Nick Dzubnar and running back Jeremy McNichols were added to the reserve/COVID-19 list, joining defensive lineman Anthony Rush, who went on the list Monday.
COVID idles Bills: Receivers Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis are among four Buffalo players who must spend at least five days away from the team facility after close contact with a trainer who tested positive.
The two other players placed in the NFL’s five-day reentry cadence were defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Vernon Butler, general manager Brandon Beane said Tuesday. Beasley has been an outspoken critic against vaccinations and the league’s COVID-19 policies.
Newton to return: New England head coach Bill Belichick expects Cam Newton to return to the field this week for the second day of joint practices with the Giants after the quarterback missed a second day of practice over a misunderstanding of COVID-19 testing rules.
Newton’s absences Monday and Tuesday were his first of training camp. Belichick did say that Newton’s unavailability would give rookie quarterback Mac Jones an increased opportunity in the competition to start.
Briefly: The Bears will start rookie quarterback Justin Fields in the preseason finale Saturday at Tennessee but said Andy Dalton will be the Week 1 starter against the Rams on Sept. 12 . ... The Panthers agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension with wide receiver Robby Anderson, according to a person familiar with the situation. ... Cleveland wide receiver Davion Davis has been suspended two games for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse. Takk McKinley returned after a three-week absence from the Browns, who are cautiously optimistic the defensive end from Kennedy High-Richmond has taken care of the personal issues that forced him away last month.