TrevorEtienne

News: 4 days agoEtienne rushed seven times for 18 yards, brought in his only target for seven yards and ran back two kickoffs for 45 yards in the Panthers' 20-3 preseason loss to the Texans on Saturday afternoon.

Spin: The rookie was the third back in behind Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, and although he managed just modest gains on the ground, he offered reasonable production with his touches as a receiver and returner. Etienne appears to be in line to open the regular season in the same slotting in the backfield pecking order that was featured Saturday, while also potentially seeing time as a returner on occasion.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Etienne was selected by Carolina in the fourth round of April's draft. Travis' brother was effective as both a rusher and receiver (3.46 YAC, 3.8 forced missed tackle rate and class-best 91% catch rate) during his three seasons at Florida and Georgia. Size (5-foot-8, 198 pounds) could limit his NFL workload ceiling, but Etienne has a three-down skill set and is one of the youngest backs in this class. He'll spend his rookie campaign developing behind lead back Chuba Hubbard and likely Rico Dowdle, and will eventually battle Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks for work in a suddenly crowded Carolina backfield. Etienne is worth rostering only in deep and dynasty leagues.