Jacksonville is looking banged up ahead of Week 9.
The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a Jacksonville Jaguars team that might be missing some combination of their top three wide receivers in Week 9. Here are some updates on Brian Thomas Jr., Christian Kirk, and Gabe Davis … among others.
BRIAN THOMAS JR.
The Jags’ receiving leader “could miss two-to-four weeks with a chest/rib injury suffered Sunday,” according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. But apparently there’s some optimism Thomas Jr. might actually be available for this week’s game?
Just spoke with #Jaguars WR Brian Thomas in locker room. He said MRI showed “nothing. Everything was good.” Obviously sore but is hopeful he can get back on the practice field by end of the week. HC Doug Pederson will speak at 1:45 p.m. ET. https://t.co/aJ85SLvpZk
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) October 28, 2024
Don’t misunderstand: I’m not reporting @JFowlerESPN is wrong about Jaguars Brian WR Brian Thomas Jr potentially missing 2-4 weeks. Just reporting what Thomas said, and sometimes players don’t always know the full picture. HC Doug Pederson will have fuller update at 1:45 pm ET.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) October 28, 2024
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. is day to day with contusion on left side of his chest, per HC Doug Pederson. MRI did not show anything more severe. Chance he could play this week, Pederson said.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) October 28, 2024
If Thomas Jr. can’t play, the Jags will be without their rookie who has 33 catches for 573 yards (17.4 average) and five touchdowns this season.
Even if he does suit up, it seems like he could be less than 100%. His status certainly bears monitoring on this week’s injury report. The first one will be issued on Wednesday afternoon.
CHRISTIAN KIRK
Kirk reportedly suffered a broken collarbone in Week 8 and will miss the rest of the 2024 season.
Kirk is the Jags’ second receiver behind Thomas Jr. with 47 targets for 27 receptions (14.0 average) and one touchdown.
GABE DAVIS
Davis suffered a shoulder injury during the Jags’ Week 8 loss. His status for this week is unclear. But the free agent signing hasn’t exactly impressed, logging 35 targets for 18 receptions, 217 yards (12.7 average) and two touchdowns.
REMAINING RECEIVERS
Here are the receivers behind the Jags’ top trio:
- Parker Washington: 9 targets, 6 receptions, 67 yards, 0 touchdowns
- Tim Jones: 2 targets, 1 reception, 10 yards, 0 touchdowns
They also have Joshua Cephus, Elijah Cooks, Louis Rees-Zammit, and Austin Trammell on the practice squad. Those four players have combined for nine career receptions and 80 receiving yards.
So, safe to say the Jags are looking pretty thin at receiver this week. Not a great development for an offense that’s been pretty middling when healthy.
NON-RECEIVER INJURIES
The Jags are also dealing with injury issues beyond the receiver position. Starting guards Brandon Scherff and Ezra Cleveland left early in Week 8. Starting secondary members Ronald Darby (Super Bowl LII champion) and Andre Cisco also got banged up.
Running back Travis Etienne missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury. He might be able to return this weekend.
