Trevor Etienne: Everything you need to know

Etienne rushed 20 times for 94 yards and caught all three of his targets for 13 yards across 17 regular-season games in 2025. Additionally, he recorded 733 kick-return yards and 163 punt-return yards. The 2025 fourth-round pick from Georgia was buried behind Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard in the Panthers' backfield, so it's no surprise he didn't see much offensive work throughout his rookie campaign. However, Etienne established himself as Carolina's top return man, finishing the regular season with the 19th-most kick-return yards in the NFL. While Dowdle is set to hit unrestricted free agency, the Panthers will still have Hubbard and 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks (knee) under contract next season, suggesting the backfield could remain crowded. As a result, Etienne will likely remain one of Carolina's top return specialists following the team's 2025 playoff run.

Etienne played three of the Panthers' 52 offensive snaps and tallied 91 kick-return yards during Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seahawks. Etienne hasn't received a carry since the Panthers' Week 11 win over the Falcons, playing just nine offensive snaps over the team's last five games. The Georgia product has operated as Carolina's top return man this season, recording 733 punt-return yards and 160 kick-return yards across 16 appearances. Expect the rookie running back to contribute primarily on special teams while Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard handle the Panthers' backfield duties in the Week 18 matchup against the Buccaneers on Saturday.

Etienne received no offensive touches but tallied 33 punt-return yards during Sunday's 23-20 win over the Buccaneers. The 21-year-old has gone without an offensive touch in five of the Panthers' last seven games, suggesting he's firmly behind both Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard in the team's backfield. Etienne has now tallied 642 kick-return yards and 160 punt-return yards while appearing in all 15 of Carolina's contests this season. He's expected to remain the team's top return man in the Week 17 matchup against the Seahawks.