Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. didn't see the field in 2021 due to a foot injury. Bob Self/Florida Times-Union via Imagn Content Services, LLC

RB Travis Etienne happy to have missed dramatic Jaguars season?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/12/22

Running back Travis Etienne entered the NFL when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him 25th overall in last year's draft but still hasn't taken a handoff from Clemson teammate and quarterback Trevor Lawrence during a meaningful pro game, as the ball-carrier missed what should've been his debut season with a Lisfranc injury to his left foot.

While Etienne was recovering from that setback last fall, first-year head coach Urban Meyer found himself in hot water after multiple videos showing the married Meyer interacting with a young woman at a Columbus bar went viral. Things went from bad to worse for Meyer as his Jaguars fell to 2-11 before the organization unceremoniously showed him the door in December.

Etienne spoke with reporters Tuesday and was asked if he felt somewhat lucky to be able to watch such a tumultuous season play out as a sidelined spectator.

"Definitely, that’s just the human element of it," the 23-year-old responded, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "Just seeing the results, you’re definitely like, 'If there was any year to miss, I missed a great one.'"

#Jaguars RB Travis Etienne on not playing last season with all the Urban Meyer drama going on: “If there was any year to miss, I missed a great one.” pic.twitter.com/qMiTEx6BPK
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 12, 2022

Etienne added he's "85-90 percent" recovered from the injury that cost him the entire 2021 campaign. He'll now find himself playing for new head coach Doug Pederson, who may or may not feature Etienne as a wide receiver later this year.

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