Category: Chris Conley

Jags Week 12 inactives: QB Gardner Minshew to sit out vs. Browns

The Jacksonville Jaguars released their list of inactives for Week 12’s game, and after being ruled questionable on the final injury report, quarterback Gardner Minshew II (thumb) will miss another game. That means Jake Luton will be serving as the …

The Jacksonville Jaguars released their list of inactives for Week 12’s game, and after being ruled questionable on the final injury report, quarterback Gardner Minshew II (thumb) will miss another game. That means Jake Luton will be serving as the backup to veteran Mike Glennon as the Jags host the Cleveland Browns.

Of course, three of the four players who were ruled out on the final injury report surfaced on the inactives list, too. Those players were cornerback Sidney Jones and receivers D.J. Chark (ribs) and Chris Conley (hip). The other player to be ruled out Friday, Andrew Norwell, was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a forearm injury.

Luckily, the Jags got Laviska Shenault Jr. back at receiver from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined a few weeks. The team also promoted receiver Trey Quinn from the practice squad to give them four active players at the position Sunday.

The last notable listed on the inactives list was running back Dare Ogunbowale (hand), who was ruled questionable Friday as a late addition to the injury report. However, the Jags promoted running back Craig Reynolds from their practice squad Saturday to fill his spot, which marks the second-year players first active game as a Jag.

Chris Conley believes NFL QBs hold keys to progress on battle against racism, social injustice

WR Chris Conley has been extreme active in the fight against racism but admits it’s going to take bigger voices in the NFL to make progress.

With many members of the professional sports realm protesting in wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old African American, by Kenosha Police officer Rusten Sheskey, Thursday wasn’t a normal day at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ facility. Still, after a delay of a few hours and a close 37-36 vote between the roster, the team practiced.

After taking the field, one of the team’s most vocal players and leaders, Chris Conley, spoke with the media about what was a mentally difficult day.

“Man what a day,” said Conley to open his virtual presser. “Today, the building and the locker room was somewhat of a microcosm of what’s been going on in this country for weeks and months. But the outcome could be taken in multiple ways. You could take it in a way to say, ‘Oh they weren’t united, they were split.’”

With the team talking things out before taking the field, saying the team wasn’t united definitely wouldn’t be fair, though some thought Thursday should continue without practicing. Still, one thing they all agreed upon was to keep tackling America’s issues with racism, inequality, systematic injustice, and police brutality. That much was made clear after the team marched for the Black Lives Matter movement in May and in the statements/presser by Doug Marrone.

During his time with the media, Conley was also asked about whether he believed the NFL would take a similar approach like the NBA and boycott games at some point. His reply was a blunt and genuine one, stating that the NFL is too massive for such an approach as owners are always looking for a replacement. For that reason, he believes the most powerful players in the league — the franchise quarterbacks — are the ones who would have to sacrifice time on the field to really make progress on America’s issues.

“The difference between the NFL and other major league sports machines throughout the country is that they’re looking for your replacement here at all times and they will replace you and the show will go on without you. And until the people in the NFL who are irreplaceable decide that they’re going to step back and they’re going to hang it up for a week, two weeks, whatever it may be, I don’t foresee that happening,” Conley said.

“I think you have great leaders in this league, you have guys who have a voice and who want to be heard and who are willing to make that sacrifice. I believe I’m one of them. But until those figures who are the face of the league decide that and people rally behind them, I don’t think you see that, I don’t think you see that from us.”

Afterward, Conley also added that he completely understands that such a sacrifice from the marquee quarterbacks in the league like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Deshaun Watson is a lot to ask for. With the NBA being a smaller group, however, players like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony can band their league together and have a great degree of star power to go with it. Additionally, there are other factors that play into it like the fact that activism is embedded in the NBA’s history and it probably helps that the sport has a higher representation of those who identify themselves as black (74%) or a person of color (83%).

“A hell of a lot of courage,” Conley replied when ask what it would take for notable quarterbacks to step up. “The problem with the league is the NFL is a very large league. You have a lot of guys on a lot of different teams, a lot of different backgrounds, not everyone knows everyone, even people who are of that significant status—not all of them know each other.”

“It’s a little bit different in the NBA. A lot of those guys do know each other and if they don’t know each other directly, they know someone who knows someone that they’ve played with. These conversations would be good conversations to be had by a lot of those guys. But at the same time, you want people who will be most affected by these decisions and the conversation, too.”

Regardless of how difficult it may be, however, it’s clear the Jags and other NFL teams have plans to remain active in the battle of racism. Players like Conley and Leonard Fournette have have success garnering the attention of city officials and conducting protests as we saw after George Floyd’s murdering. That won’t be changing any time soon and when/if the league’s marquee quarterbacks figure out a way to impact the fight on a larger scale, it will only add to what players like Conley and Fournette have already done.

Chris Conley voices displeasure about NFL’s handling of COVID-19 safety protocols

The players of the NFL have voiced their opinions about testing before the season starts and Chris Conley is among those who aren’t happy.

It’s nearly time for the NFL to restart operations as players will be reporting to camp as soon as Monday for the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. However, the NFLPA has some issues they would like ironed out as soon as possible, the most notable of which is the frequency of testing for COVID-19.

Many would agree that it feels like the league has taken its time when it comes to getting an adequate testing protocol for its players, which will be key in making things as safe as possible for each team. Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Chris Conley would definitely agree as he, alongside several other players, called the league out Sunday for dragging their feet on the matter.

The veteran took to Twitter while also stating that the NFL has ignored recommendations by medical professionals hired by the union to help make each facility safer.

Conley’s statements drew some backlash, which caused him to follow up with the tweet below.

Conley brought up a point not widely discussed in the league today: one case of COVID-19 could easily devastate a team, especially those who can’t afford to lose certain starters for weeks at a time. If the goal is to win and protect its players, the league should definitely consider this added hurdle in planning a season during a global pandemic.

Players certainly can’t be blamed for wanting safer conditions, especially after the NFL has had since early spring to put effective plans in place. Additionally, there are certain states that are considered “hot spots” for the coronavirus, putting the teams that play there at higher risk than others. With Florida routinely setting a new record for new infections, players from the Jags, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Bucs should be exercising the cautions necessary to mitigate risk.

It remains to be seen if both sides can meet in the middle, but this could spell trouble if more players take issue with the league’s plans.

Podcast: Which Jags free-agents could re-sign in 2021?

The Jags’ 2021 free-agency class is full of receivers including Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley. Who could they end up keeping though?

With the football season slowly approaching, Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and I recorded yet another episode of the “Bleav in Jags Podcast.”

We started this week’s episode off discussing the latest in preseason and training camp news as the league announced that the preseason would be cut in half. Additionally, we discussed the contract signing of DaVon Hamilton and where he fits in the Jaguars plans heading forward.

Afterward, we discussed the latest on defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who reportedly hasn’t changed his stance about wanting to be traded. With the deadline coming up, we also discussed the possibility of trading him to the Cleveland Browns for David Njoku as proposed by ESPN recently.

Lastly, we tackled our main topic, which was a preview of the Jags’ 2021 free-agency class. With several notable names on the list, we gave our analysis on who could stay or go with notables like Leonard Fournette, Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole, and more on the last years of their deals.

Feel free to listen to the archived episodes of “Bleav in the Jags,”too, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

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Chris Conley chimes in on NFL working towards having Black National Anthem played Week 1

The NFL reportedly will play the Black National Anthem Week 1, which means the Jags will have it performed pregame in Jacksonville vs. Indy.

Like many organizations in the nation, the NFL has been taking action to combat the racial inequality and social injustice issues within the United States and has been on record for saying they will continue the fight into the future. That has also led to the probability of the Black National Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ being sung Week 1 of the regular season, too.

The potential move is one that has caught the attention of many, including Jaguars receiver Chris Conley, who said he felt it was a great way to honor black heritage via his Twitter account.

As many can recall, Conley has been a player at the forefront of battling racism and social injustice since the murderings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and several others. During the Jags’ recent march to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, he spoke about how racial injustices have been foreshadowed and urged those marching to do their part to lead to change.

As for the hymn ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ its history dates back to 1899 when Jacksonville born writer, educator, and NAACP leader, James Weldon Johnson, took the hymn to his brother in composer J. Rosamond Johnson, who constructed the official title. Weldon wrote the hymn after being tasked with coming up with a way to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Per the NAACP, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ was first sung at the segregated Stanton School in Jacksonville, where Weldon was a principle at, by 500 children during the year of 1900.

The Jags will be one of the teams who start their regular season at home, as they will be taking on their division rivals in the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 13. That means the hymn will be performed at its birthplace by someone (or even a choir perhaps) during the pregame process of Week 1’s AFC South showdown.

Watch: Gardner Minshew, Chris Conley, D.J. Chark, members of Jags’ offense link up for workout

With virtual workouts over, several members of the Jags’ offense got together at a local high school to begin building team chemistry.

Due to the nation’s coronavirus pandemic, the NFL season has gotten off to a very unusual start. Players weren’t able to have organized team activities, minicamp, or go to their respective facilities (until last week) and have had to resort to organizing things on their own.

The Jags recently jumped onboard with the league’s workout trend, putting together an offensive workout Monday, according to the Instagram account of receiver D.J. Chark. Others who were seen in attendance were quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Josh Dobbs, receiver Chris Conley, and various other skill players from the roster.

The Jags recently wrapped up the virtual part of their offseason that replaced OTAs and it was recently announced that no team is allowed to have minicamp. That said, the Jags and 29 other teams are set to return for training camp on July 28 under a new Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulation.

The Jags’ offense will have to put in a lot of work to get settled once they return this summer as they will be installing a new offense under Jay Gruden. With that being the case, look for the Jags’ offense to schedule more of these workouts (at least what the rules permit) down the road.

Chris Conley talks about setting an example for the youth after Ahmaud Arbery’s, George Floyd’s deaths

Chris Conley became a big part of Jags history with his statements today as he and Jags marched to combat racial injustice Friday.

Friday marked a good day in Jacksonville Jaguars history as the organization marched together in wake of George Floyd’s death and the country’s current issues with racial injustice. The team began their walk from TIAA Bank Field early Friday morning and made their way to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. While there, they shared a variety of powerful messages about inequality and standing together.

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JSO officer and former Jag Ernest Wilford and running backs coach Terry Robiskie were the first to speak while at the sheriff’s office, sharing awesome messages for the city to soak in.

Afterward, receiver Chris Conley came through with some encouraging words, too, urging those listening to understand the history of America’s issues because they will lead to change. He also encouraged others to follow the footsteps of those who’ve demonstrated how to make change peacefully and declared that those with good intentions wouldn’t allow those who are doing it through hate and violence to take from the moment.

Another important message from Conley came as he concluded his statements. He reached out to the children who were a part of the march and told them that Friday’s display was an example of what the future could be. While referring to the recent murder of Ahmaud Arbery, he also stated that he saw the youth’s lives being in jeopardy when watching the confrontation.

Conley’s conclusion and message, in general, proved just what kind of leader he is and it’s awesome to see him step to the plate early and use his platform as a player. Heading forward, it appears we could hear more from the veteran, who clearly has the ability to help the Jags do their part in changing the racial issues we see all too much in America.

Jags organization march in solidarity to bring awareness to racial injustice

As most NFL coaches were permitted to return to their facilities today, the Jaguars’ return to TIAA Bank Field Friday was marked by something bigger than football. In wake of the recent killing of George Floyd, the spotlight on police brutality and …

As most NFL coaches were permitted to return to their facilities today, the Jaguars’ return to TIAA Bank Field Friday was marked by something bigger than football. In wake of the recent killing of George Floyd, the spotlight on police brutality and rallying cries against racial issues that millions are protesting in America, the team got together to march from TIAA Bank Field to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in solidarity.

Many joined the march while wearing Black Lives Matter shirts and hoodies, and several players, including receivers D.J. Chark and Chris Conley, kicker Josh Lambo and running backs coach Terry Robiskie, spoke during the event. They were joined by former Jaguar and current JSO officer Ernest Wilford during the march, who also shared remarks. 

Per Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union, the idea was Robiskie’s. During his time speaking in front of the crowd, he stated that he has never seen such support from an organization having been in the league since 1982 as a coach. Robiskie also said that he attended his first protest in the late 60s, which shows just how long America has battled with racism.

Upon arrival at the sheriff’s office, Conley spoke about how racial injustices have been foreshadowed and urged those marching to know the history of America’s issues because they will lead to change. He also spoke on a confederate monument located at Hemming Park (less than a mile from the sheriff’s office), and how close it was to a horrific racist attack that took place in Jacksonville 60 years ago known as “Axe Handle Saturday.”

 

Afterward, the team walked back to TIAA Bank Field in solidarity once again where coach Doug Marrone spoke. His message was simply for everyone to do their best to understand where African Americans are coming from when they shed light on the racial issues of America. He also urged everyone to come together and fight against racism to make an impact for the past, present, and future.

Jags depth chart prediction: Wide receiver

The Jags receiving corps got stronger after the draft and there is a lot that needs to be sorted out behind star D.J. Chark.

Earlier in the week, we started our depth chart projections for the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the quarterbacks, running backs, and tight ends all covered, here are our projections for the wide receivers position:

Projections to make the final 53-man roster

Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

WR1: D.J. Chark Jr.

D.J. Chark was the most improved player on the Jags’ roster without a doubt. He also proved to be their top receiver, becoming the first receiver since Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns (2015) to garner 1,000 receiving yards.

It didn’t matter who the quarterback was, Chark shined and received a Pro Bowl nod after making highlights after highlights. The crazy part is that he’s just scratching the surface and is only 23 years old.

WR2: Chris Conley

Chris Conley was one of the Jags’ veteran additions during the 2019 free-agency period and will enter 2020 as the Jags’ most experienced receiver as a sixth-year player. He had some issues with drops in 2019 but still managed to register 47 catches for 775 yards and five touchdowns.

As a new offensive coordinator to the Jags’ organization, Conley is a player I think Jay Gruden will be more than comfortable with as the No. 2 alongside Chark. However, it wouldn’t shock me if Laviska Shenalt received a lot of looks as the No. 2, too, but health is a concern with him and he’s also extremely raw.

WR3 (slot starter): Dede Westbrook

The Jags will roll out a lot of multiple receiver sets under Gruden and one can understand why when looking at the potential they have. Gruden has also been known to get a lot of production from the slot and that became clear when looking at the success of Jamison Crowder, who registered 221 passes for 2,628 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns throughout four seasons with Gruden and the Washington Redskins.

Westbrook is just as talented as Crowder and could serve the same role for Gruden’s offense in Jacksonville. After all, it’s where he’s flourished and his 2018 season is proof of that as all five of his touchdowns came from the slot.

WR4: Laviska Shenault Jr.

He was the Jags’ second-round addition of April’s draft and they have big-time plans for him. Shenault was extremely versatile while with Colorado playing as an exterior receiver, a slot receiver, running back, H-back, and as a wildcat quarterback.

Jags coach Doug Marrone says he’s already asked Shenault what kind of load he’s willing to take as a versatile weapon and the rookie is up for the challenge. That said, look for the Jags to be creative with Shenault while working him in slowly as an exterior receiver.

WR5: Keelan Cole

Having Keelan Cole as a No. 4 to No. 5 receiver on this roster is proof that the Jags at least have depth at receiver though the results may not be completely what fans want. He’ll enter the season with 1,600 career receiving yards, a 15.4 yard per catch average, and seven touchdowns.

With the depth chart now crowded Cole may have to see a lot of time on the field through special teams. It might be even wise to consider him in a returners role to protect the receivers further up the depth chart from injuries.

WR6: Collin Johnson

Collin Johnson was the second receiver drafted by the Jags in April’s draft as the team took him in the fifth round. At 6-foot-6, 222-pounds, there is a lot to be excited about with Johnson as he gives the Jags a massive jump-ball target to help Gardner Minshew II out.

There are questions as to if Johnson will be able to separate on the next level and he’ll also need to improve with breaking/sinking into his routes. However, if there is any receivers coach who could turn him into a solid pro it’s the Jags’ own Keenan McCardell.

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Watch: Chris Conley 2019 highlights

Chris Conley had a solid year for the Jags in 2019 and he should only improve after building a strong rapport with Gardner Minshew II.

One part of the Jacksonville Jaguars offense fans could witness take another step is the receiver position. One reason for that is that most of the notables will be returning with an exemption of Marqise Lee, who is now with the New England Patriots.

Filling his role as the most experienced veteran will be Chris Conley, who signed with the team via a two-year deal last season. While there were some issues with drops (seven, per Pro Football Reference), he still managed to have a pretty productive first year in black and teal, registering 47 catches for 775 yards and five touchdowns. That’s a receiving and touchdown total that was good for second on the team with only D.J. Chark Jr. beating him out on both categories with 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns.

All of that said, Conley’s blazing speed provided fans with plenty of highlights throughout the season and here are some of his biggest moments of 2019: