The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the 1-3 Detroit Lions this afternoon in a game that could have huge long-term implications on both franchises. With both squads coming into this matchup with a single win on the year, a loss will undoubtedly move the looser closer to an eventual departure from their coaches.

After missing several starters in last week’s disappointing defeat to Houston, Jacksonville’s defense should be bolstered by the returns of Myles Jack and C.J Henderson, who were both dearly missed in that 30-14 loss.

The only major issue the Jaguars still have to deal with is edge-rusher Josh Allen. Allen was missing in last week’s defeat and didn’t practice on Friday and has been ruled out for a second straight week. With one of their most reliable playmakers potentially out again, here are three Jaguars to watch on defense against the Detroit Lions.

Sidney Jones IV

Sidney Jones IV came in from the practice squad after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles only three years after being a second round pick. A limited risk pickup with plenty of upside, Jones has shown already that he may have a long term future as part of the Jaguars’ defense.

In the loss last week Jones was arguably the Jaguars’ best player. On just 38 snaps, the 24-year-old had four pass breakups, three tackles and an interception. With D.J Hayden on injured reserve with a hamstring issue and Tre Herndon having to move inside, another strong performance from Jones could prove he is a piece the team can build around at the nickel spot.

K’Lavon Chaisson

K’Lavon Chaisson has had an up and down start to his NFL career. While he’s registered a sack this season, he’s still struggling to consistently win pass-rush reps. Todd Wash has openly said that he can only get both Chaisson and Josh Allen on the field in certain packages, which has led to limited snaps for the rookie.

However, in last week’s loss to Houston, Chaisson saw a huge increase in snaps thanks to Allen’s injury, but was unable to turn those reps into any meaningful production.

With Allen now ruled out, the focal point of the Jaguars’ pass rush will once again be the former LSU Tiger. Fans will be keen to see an upturn in fortunes for their team’s top-20 draft pick.

Dawuane Smoot

Where Chaisson struggled on Sunday, Dawuane Smoot absolutely shined. A third-round pick from 2017, Smoot has been used as a rotational lineman for the majority of his career, but really came into his own in the loss to Houston. He finished the day with a sack, one tackle for loss, and four quarterback hits.

The former Illinois University star was taken on Day 2 to be the long-term replacement for the ‘Mayor of Sacksonville’ Calais Campbell as the team’s big-bodied strongside edge rusher. With Campbell traded to Baltimore in the off-season, this year is when the Jaguars will really get to see what they have in their fourth-year pass rusher.

An unrestricted free agent after 2020, Smoot will be hoping for more games like last week’s as he gets closer to negotiating a contract extension.