Jacksonville Jaguars running backs coach Jerry Mack has seen some improvement from second-year back Tank Bigsby this offseason after a disappointing rookie campaign in 2023. "I think now things are starting to slow down for him. He understands his role in this offense. He's understanding the ins and outs of the offense a lot better as well," Mack said. Bigsby had only 132 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries in 2023 behind bell-cow Travis Etienne Jr. The 22-year-old lost some confidence during his tough rookie season, but Mack says Bigsby came in this offseason "with a revitalized type of attitude." The Jaguars continue to say they want to get Bigsby more involved on offense this year, too, as a way to lighten the load on Etienne. Even if Bigsby sees more touches in his sophomore season, he's going to need to improve his 2.6 yard-per-carry average to be more than just a deep-league handcuff to Etienne.
SI.com's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars second-year running back Tank Bigsby had some issues with drops during offseason workouts and didn't have the standout offseason program that he had last year. The Jaguars have done nothing but insinuate that Bigsby will have a bigger role in the backfield in 2024 as they look to give lead back Travis Etienne Jr. more of a break, but nothing is guaranteed as training camp approaches. It's not like Bigsby really impressed in his rookie year, either, as he carried the ball only 50 times for 132 yards (2.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding only one reception for a six-yard gain in 17 games played. Still, Bigsby should have more of a role in his second year in the NFL, although it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give him standalone fantasy value in 2024.
The Jacksonville Jaguars intend to get running back Tank Bigsby more involved next season, according to Demetrius Harvey of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union. Bigsby was a rookie last year, and while he did earn some opportunities, he was clearly the backup option to Travis Etienne Jr. Sure, Etienne will remain the Jaguars' undeniable top back in 2024, but the expectation is that Bigsby will be more involved. "We've talked about this too as a staff and myself, making sure Tank [Bigsby] gets opportunities to get out there and take some of the pounding off of Travis," explained head coach Doug Pederson. While this new report might not be enough to put Bigsby on the radar in typical 12-team redraft leagues, he's still worth monitoring as the season gets underway. A slow start or injury from Etienne could put Bigsby in a favorable role.
It's clear that the Jacksonville Jaguars want to keep lead running back Travis Etienne Jr. fresh for the entire season in 2024. In the final six games in 2023, the Jaguars averaged just 79 yards per game on the ground. They finished 23rd overall with 96.8 yards per game on the ground. In an effort to keep Etienne fresher, part of the team's plan in the run game is getting second-year back Tank Bigsby more involved. He played just 141 snaps in his rookie season, carrying the ball 50 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns. A couple of fluky turnovers ensured he didn't see much more time down the stretch. "We have to get Tank going, the bottom line. He is too good, that's why we drafted him. I think early he had some 'what is that' type plays for whatever reason right or wrong. Again, in and out of the lineup," said head coach Doug Pederson.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby saw double digit carries during Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. However, the rookie back was unable to have much success on the ground. Bigsby only managed 32 yards on the ground with those 10 carries during Sunday's win. He continues to be a distant second option behind Travis Etienne Jr. in the backfield. Bigsby could be worth holding in dynasty leagues, but is unlikely to have value in redraft leagues right now.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby did not receive any opportunities in Week 2, recording 0 total yards in the loss vs. Kansas City. It was odd usage for the rookie running back who saw 21% of snaps in Week 1 and was given seven carries, one of which he turned into a touchdown. The game was a competitive grind fest throughout, so game script could be the culprit here with the Jags opting to leave their more trusted back Etienne in the game for longer stretches. It's worth noting that third-string running back D'Ernest Johnson only logged one rush, so Bigsby presumably still has the RB2 position locked up, but it's definitely a situation worth monitoring. He'll look to bounce back next week against the Texans and their weak run defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby will look to hit paydirt once again in Week 2, this time taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie running back was used sparingly in Week 1 at Indy, receiving seven carries and only gaining 13 yards. Bigsby was also only targeted once in the passing game. His backfield mate Travis Etienne unsurprisingly got a large majority of the work, putting Bisgby off the playable radar in almost all formats. The Auburn product was utilized around the goal line giving him some touchdown upside, but he's unlikely to provide much value at all unless he scores, making him a very risky play. He's better left on the bench for now.
Tank Bigsby's Role Could Expand As Season Progresses
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby has been impressive during training camp and preseason action. The former Auburn Tiger has 122 yards on 22 carries in six quarters of preseason games. However, his role in the Jacksonville offense could start out small and progress as the season moves along. "Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson said he doesn't want to overload Bigsby early in the season." Michael DiRocco of ESPN wrote. "But it's likely his role will expand as the season progresses." Bigsby is an attractive bench stash for fantasy football. If Travis Etienne has to miss any time, the rookie would operate as the lead back in one of the league's most exciting offenses.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby played well during Saturday's preseason win over the Lions. After a stellar showing against the Dallas Cowboys, the rookie had a game-high 70 yards off 13 carries in this one. Bigsby has played well throughout the preseason, totaling 22 touches for 122 yards to the tune of 5.6 YPC. Although Travis Etienne Jr. is the No. 1 option in Jacksonville, the 2023 third-round pick may slowly get more involved during the 2023-24 campaign. But first, Bigsby will need to surpass D'Ernest Johnson for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, although he should be targeted immediately as an insurance policy heading into Week 1.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Tank Bigsby led the team in rushing on Saturday, toting the rock nine times for 52 yards in the 28-23 win. Travis Etienne (five rushes for 22 yards) started the game and saw three drives, but Bigsby was more efficient with his touches. D'Ernest Johnson also saw some work only after Bigsby played three full drives. The Auburn product showed off his vision and burst on a 34-yard scamper, ultimately leading to the Jaguars' second touchdown. Bigsby has been generating plenty of buzz at camp, proving why so many are stoked about his talents. While Etienne is still the alpha in the backfield, the 2023 third-round pick is the favorite to handle the RB2 spot at this point and maybe the main goal-line option, given Etienne's struggles in that department last season.
