Jaguars activate former Gator CJ Henderson from Reserved/COVID-19 list

Nagging injuries led to a shortened rookie season and labrum surgery for former Gator CJ Henderson but the promising young corner returned to the field this weekend.

The Jacksonville Jaguars activated 2020 ninth overall pick CJ Henderson from the Reserved/COVID-19 list on Friday.

The former Gator started the first eight games of the year but injuries slowed down his rookie season. The Jacksonville corner amassed six pass breakups, 36 combined tackles and an interception before going on injured reserve.

Henderson ultimately had labrum surgery in the offseason and then started the seasons on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The list is for players who have tested positive for the virus or been in close contact with a positive case so an acclimation period is required after being activated.

“I think it’s been November, October since the last time he played and I had no idea,” former Gators coach and current Jaguars Head Coach Urban Meyer said. “It’s almost like okay he is back—COVID-19. And then okay he is back—three-day acclimation.”

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Henderson was at practice Tuesday on the sidelines and Wednesday on a stationary bike as part of the acclimation period. He returned to drills on Saturday and worked with the team.

Henderson should remain the starter for Jacksonville barring any disaster during the preseason. The Jags acquired Shaquill Griffin through free agency and drafted Tyson Campbell in the second round. Both additions should add some competition to the position battle for Henderson but also provides some help in the secondary.

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