Don’t be surprised if the CBS broadcast crew takes a little extra time to identify the players on the field for the Jacksonville defense when the Browns play the Jaguars this Sunday. Given all the injuries to the Jaguars, the players themselves might need tape on the front of the helmet like it’s minicamp to know who exactly is on the field.
The Jaguars have major injury issues on defense. Two regular starters on the defensive line are out for game, DT Abry Jones and EDGE Josh Allen. Jones is the team’s best run defender, while Allen is the top pass rusher with his 2.5 sacks in eight games.
It’s even worse for the secondary. As Mike Clay of ESPN noted on Twitter, the top three cornerbacks are all out with injury. One of those is first-round rookie C.J. Henderson, along with Sidney Jones and D.J. Hayden. Dime back Chris Claybrooks is also on I.R.. Jones could play against the Browns but it’s doubtful with his lingering Achilles injury.
But wait, there’s more…
The Jaguars’ top safety, Josh Jones, is also on injured reserve. So is fifth-round rookie Daniel Thomas, who started the last three games in his place and acquitted himself pretty well.
Oh yeah, the kicker. Regular kicker Josh Lambo is on I.R. and his replacement, Chase McLaughlin, is on the Jaguars’ reserve/COVID-19 list.
The 1-9 Jaguars will also start journeyman Mike Glennon at quarterback with Gardner Minshew still not 100% and rookie Jake Luton 100% not the answer to replace him in his two starts.