The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering their Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns banged up as running back Travis Etienne is dealing with a rib injury and is listed as questionable. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Travis Etienne is expected to play in this game for the Jags.
Travis Etienne originally suffered the injury back in Week 12 against the Houston Texans but played through the injury on Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals. He has been one of the best running backs in the National Football League this season as he has 205 rushing attempts for 771 yards (3.8 yards per carry) with eight rushing touchdowns while also having 40 receptions for 346 yards (8.6 yards per catch) with a touchdown reception as well.
With quarterback Trevor Lawrence expected to play as well, this gives the Jaguars a chance to be a legitimate threat in this game.
With Travis Etienne playing, can the Jacksonville Jaguars win against the Cleveland Browns?
Both the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars are playing for playoff seeding as each team is currently in the AFC Playoff picture if the season were to end today. The Jaguars are 8-4 right now and that includes a perfect 5-0 record on the road.
Travis Etienne has shown the ability to play extremely well and with inclement weather in the forecast, the running game is likely going to be the difference in this game. Despite the better record, the Jaguars need to win this game as they hold a one-game lead in the AFC South over the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts so they can easily fall to the AFC Wild Card race.
With Cleveland’s defense being their biggest strength, this is going to be the biggest battle to watch. However, this Browns team did just allow 36 points last week against the Los Angeles Rams and the week before gave up 29 points to the Denver Broncos.
The quarterback situation is going to be highlighted here as well but the biggest thing is going to be if Jacksonville can step up on the road and win as their defense is being underrated. If they want to compete for the top seed in the AFC, the Jags need to win games like this and not spiral into a losing streak.
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