Jaguars Star Out With Injury, Browns Game in Jeopardy
The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing a major blow ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, as star running back Travis Etienne is officially ruled out for the game due to a foot injury.
This news comes as a huge setback for the Jaguars, who are currently 3-4 on the season and looking to make a push for the playoffs. Etienne has been a key piece of their offense, leading the team with 515 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the season.
Impact of Etienne's absence:
The Jaguars will need to find a way to replace Etienne's production. James Robinson, the team's other starting running back, will be leaned on heavily. However, Robinson has been battling a knee injury himself.
Other options:
With Etienne and Robinson both potentially limited, the Jaguars will have to rely on D'Ernest Johnson, JaMycal Hasty, and possibly even Elijhaa Penny to carry the load in the backfield.
Browns Game in Jeopardy:
The Browns themselves are no stranger to injuries. Deshaun Watson is expected to start, but Nick Chubb and Amari Cooper are both considered questionable for the game.
What to expect:
This game is now likely to be a defensive battle. Both teams have struggled offensively this season, with the Jaguars particularly struggling to run the ball efficiently.
Fantasy Impact:
With Etienne out, James Robinson could be a viable fantasy option if he is healthy. However, it is crucial to monitor his injury status before making any decisions. D'Ernest Johnson could also see a bump in fantasy value as the Browns rely heavily on the run game.
Looking Ahead:
The Jaguars will need to find a way to overcome Etienne's absence if they want to remain in playoff contention. The Browns, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on the Jaguars' weakened offense and secure a much-needed win.
This game has the potential to be a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to find their footing offensively. The focus will be on the defenses, and how they can exploit the weaknesses on the other side of the ball.
