The Medical Outlook series features Dr. Jene Bramel covering higher-level players with medical concerns going into the season. You'll get a rundown on players' statuses and the bottom line on whether you should target them in your drafts.
What you need to know
- Travis Etienne is recovered from his 2021 Lisfranc injury and is fully participating in training camp
- Lisfranc injuries can be tricky, but early diagnosis and accelerated rehab have improved recovery
- Jacksonville’s current running back depth is unlikely to threaten Etienne’s usage and volume
- Etienne is a reasonable risk at his current ADP of RB15-RB18 (Mid third – Early fourth round)
Etienne’s Injury: Left Lisfranc joint sprain with surgical fixation – September 2021
The Lisfranc joint connects the bones of the middle of the foot to the arch of the foot and is critical for stability. Some Lisfranc injuries are relatively low-grade ligament sprains. More severe injuries involve dislocations of the joint with fractures of the surrounding bones.
Etienne’s injury was a higher-grade condition and required a screw to stabilize the joint.
Recovery timeline
The expected recovery time for Lisfranc joint procedures is now four to six months.
Etienne was cleared to run in January, four months after surgery, and fully cleared for football activities during offseason activities in May and June. He has fully participated in the camp and the Jaguars are not managing his practice reps.
Medical risk and outlook
The outlook for Lisfranc recovery has improved in recent years.
Older studies on NFL players reported 10-12 month recovery times and decreased performance. But those studies are based on few patients and base conclusions on statistical categories with lots of variables.
In recent years, earlier and more precise diagnoses, improvements in surgical technique, and refined rehab protocols have led to better outcomes in shorter timeframes for players with Lisfranc injuries.
In short, players are now recovering more quickly and successfully.
Etienne’s outlook looks good. He returned to full football activity three months ago and has had no setbacks or compensatory injuries in contact drills. Camp reports are unanimously positive and reassuring. Etienne looks explosive in all phases and comfortable with contact.
Draft recommendation
Redraft PPR ADP (Footballguys consensus) = 38 | RB19 | Late 3rd – Early 4th round
Bestball ADP (Underdog) = 36 | RB16 | Mid 3rd – Early 4th round
Etienne will have to prove himself in live action but appears fully recovered.
The Jaguars made no moves to bolster their depth chart this offseason. James Robinson, attempting to return from a December 2021 Achilles tear, is Etienne’s primary backup. Robinson is unlikely to be ready for a high-volume committee role.
Monitor for any changes as camp progresses, but Etienne is safe to draft at RB15-RB20.