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Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne did his job as an NFL rookie.
With little action outside of special teams returners, the former Florida and Georgia playmaker remained "prepared," he told The Charlotte Observer. "It's your job.
"I like to say, 'stuck on ready, waiting on go.' "
After logging just 94 yards on 20 carries last season, Etienne enters his sophomore campaign with an opportunity to solidify a RB3 role. The Panthers open training camp Wednesday at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium.
Through 11 games last season, Etienne participated in just seven percent of the Panthers' offensive snaps. He remained a "garbage" time participant as the Panthers (8-9) claimed the NFC South title for the first time since 2015.
"When my name is called, I try to make sure that there’s no drop-off, there’s no doubt or anything. My teammates and peers expect me to go out there and do my job, and that’s what I need to do when my name is called.”
The fourth-round draft pick helped create a strong rookie class. Twelve first-year players appeared on the Panthers' 53-man roster last season, headlined by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors.
With the Panthers scheduled to kick off the 2026 campaign Aug. 6 by facing the Arizona Cardinals during the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, Etienne isn't the lone second-year player seeking to expand their chore lists.
In at least one case, the sophomore class will have a struggle to survive NFL cutdown day and dress for the Panthers' regular-season opener against the visiting Chicago Bears on Sept. 13.
Panthers' WR Jimmy Horn Jr. needs strong NFL training camp
While Etienne likely will be challenged attempting to hold off free-agent veteran AJ Dillon to back up starter Chuba Hubbard and RB2 Jonathon Brooks, fellow draft mate Jimmy Horn Jr. may need to stand out this summer to push for similar role he experienced as a rookie.
After opening on the practice squad, the sixth-rounder debuted on Oct. 5, sparking a come-from-behind rally. The former Colorado standout extended the game-winning drive with a 17-yard fourth-down reception from quarterback Bryce Young.
Earning 148 snaps, Horn finished with 11 receptions on 15 targets for 108 yards, with 71 coming after the catch. He had one drop.
With 13 wide receivers entering training camp, Horn, at 5-foot-8, 174 pounds, may need to utilize his quickness and shiftiness to provide the unit with a different look.
The Panthers' projected top four receivers stand at least 6-3: McMillan (6-5), Jalen Coker (6-3), Xavier Legette (6-3) and rookie Chris Brazzell II (6-4).
Veteran David Moore (6-0) remains a favorite of coach Dave Canales and Brycen Tremayne (6-4) possesses special-teams versatility.
Horn likely will be forced to battle John Metchie III (5-11) for a roster spot. A former Alabama teammate, Metchie helped Young earn the 2021 Heisman Trophy.
Could the Panthers do something radical with their 2026 roster?
The past two cutdown days, the Panthers kept seven wide receivers. When asked during a teleconference June 16 if there was a model where they could maintain an eight-man receiver room, Coker, who is locked up long-term, looked puzzled.
"I don’t know," he said. "I don’t know.”
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