Former Clemson running backTravis Etienne’s first season with the New Orleans Saints has hit an early setback, with a hamstring injury expected to keep him sidelined until at least November.
Saints coach Kellen Moore said Etienne will be placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for a minimum of four games. The absence interrupts his return to his home state after signing a four-year, $48 million contract with New Orleans this offseason.
Etienne had been dealing with the injury during practice before showing signs of discomfort in Sunday’s 35-27 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He was seen limping on the field and later went to the injury tent.
Despite the issue, Etienne finished as New Orleans’ leading rusher against Las Vegas, picking up 57 yards
on 13 carries. He also caught two passes for 13 yards.
Through three appearances with the Saints, Etienne has rushed for 128 yards on 30 attempts and added 11 receptions for 51 yards. He is still looking for his first touchdown with the franchise, a milestone that will have to wait until he returns.
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For the former Tigers standout, it is another injury interruption in an NFL career that began with a significant setback. After Jacksonville selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft, a foot injury cost him his entire rookie season.
Etienne has since appeared in 69 NFL games, accumulating 3,926 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed 1,389 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson superstar running back goes on IR for New Orleans Saints
