Analysts Question Value of Carolina Panthers Running Back Trevor Etienne

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has built a competitive roster through successful draft picks and free-agent signings, but some selections have drawn criticism. Second-year running back Trevor Etienne, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is facing questions regarding whether he has delivered on the team's investment thus far.

During his rookie campaign, Etienne played in all 17 regular-season games but was primarily utilized on special teams. He logged 31 kickoff returns for 733 yards and 20 punt returns for 163 yards, while recording just 20 rushing attempts for 94 yards and three receptions for 13 yards on offense. Analysts have pointed out that his extensive work as a return specialist outweighed his offensive snaps, raising questions about the value of a fourth-round draft choice contributing predominantly in the return game.

Entering the current season, Etienne suffered an ankle injury during the preseason finale against the Houston Texans, which forced him to start the year on injured reserve. The injury kept him sidelined for the first four games of the regular season. After missing the opening stretch, head coach Dave Canales confirmed his return following the team's Week 5 bye.

Etienne made his 2026 debut in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles, working out of the backfield behind Chuba Hubbard while injuries sidelined other running back depth options such as AJ Dillon and Jonathon Brooks. He followed that performance with six rushing attempts for eight yards during a 43-13 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding two receptions for 17 yards.

In a recent review of the 2025 running back class by ESPN's Bill Barnwell, concerns were raised about Etienne's trajectory. Barnwell noted that Etienne has touched the ball more frequently as a returner than as an offensive weapon, and questioned whether the fourth-round investment has yielded the expected results for Carolina.

Despite seeing occasional action on punt returns alongside teammate David Moore, Etienne continues to operate primarily as a backup in the Panthers' backfield behind Chuba Hubbard. With limited opportunities on offense and a need to prove he belongs at the professional level, Etienne faces an uphill battle to secure a more prominent role in Carolina's game plans moving forward.