The Jaguars have a difficult matchup against the Bengals Sunday, and have several key players at less than full health.
The Jacksonville Jaguars continue their daunting early-season schedule this Sunday when they go on the road to face the 2-1 Cincinnati Bengals.
After back-to-back games against the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, the Jaguars must face another AFC contender in the Bengals before consecutive “home” games in London against the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
Jacksonville saw its nine-game winning streak end in Denver, but followed it up with a 35-6 dismantling of the defending AFC champion Patriots last Sunday.
The Jaguars must bring the same sense of urgency this week to beat another conference contender.
Unfortunately for the Jaguars, they are heading into Cincinnati with several key players at less than 100%.
Thursday Injury Report
Jacksonville’s Thursday injury report was filled with some of the team’s most important players. While most were able to at least get in a limited practice, it is clear that they are not completely healthy.
Rookie tight end Nate Boerkircher was the only player listed as not participating on Thursday. He was listed as having an illness. Boerkircher has been a key component of the Jaguars’ rushing attack, which has been much better than many people expected heading into the season. Hopefully, Boerkircher will get over his illness before Sunday. The Jaguars will need his blocking to keep the run game humming.
Running back LeQuint Allen, whose receiving ability out of the backfield gives Jacksonville yet another weapon, was limited by a hip injury.
Cornerbacks Montaric Brown and Christian Braswell were limited by hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. With the Jaguars having to find a way to contain star WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, having two CBs operating at less than full strength is less than ideal.
Thankfully for the Jaguars, CB Jarrian Jones was upgraded to a full practice after being limited Wednesday with a hip injury.
Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton turned in his second straight limited session with a back ailment. Hamilton has been terrific against the run this season and is a huge part of the team not allowing a 75-yard rusher over the last 20 games.
Another DT, rookie Albert Regis, remained limited with an elbow injury.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who had a big game against the Patriots, was limited with a thumb, and starting right tackle Cole Van Lanen was limited with his knee injury.
Final Thoughts
While players starting the week with consecutive limited practices is usually a good sign that they will play on Sunday, the number of key Jaguars who are not fully healthy is concerning.
More clarity will come out with Friday’s report, when official injury designations are given. Hopefully, none of these injured players suffer any setback and at least some of them get upgraded a full participation.
