The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without 2022 first-round pick Devin Lloyd for a stretch after the second-year linebacker underwent hand surgery Wednesday. Now 2022 third-round selection Chad Muma is set to take over in the starting lineup.
“He’s been ready,” Jaguars linebacker and defensive team captain Foye Oluokun said of Muma. “He’s a good guy, really a student of the game. Always ready to own his role. Good communication so far during the week, we’ve all got trust in him and he fits right into whatever role we put him in.”
Muma, 24, made starts in two games during his rookie season when coaches decided to temporarily bench Lloyd. The Jaguars’ other rookie linebacker didn’t fare much better and the two finished the 2022 season with similar grades on Pro Football Focus.
A year later, Muma says he’s much more prepared to be an impact player.
“Any time you’re in year two of the NFL, I feel like there’s so much growth and development into it,” Muma said in the locker room Wednesday. “Especially being year two of the same defense, you’re able to make communication faster in the field, diagnose plays quicker. So I’m definitely feeling much more comfortable at this time compared to I was last year.”
That growth wasn’t particularly evident Sunday against the Houston Texans, though. Muma was on the field for 19 defensive snaps in relief of Lloyd, who was in and out of the lineup while dealing with his thumb injury. Muma was credited with a missed tackle and with allowing receiver Nico Collins to break free for a 29-yard gain just before halftime to set up a short Texans field goal.
Muma said Wednesday that his stint on the field Sunday was instructive for how he should prepare for his first start since last December.
“There’s definitely aspects that I was able to look at in the film room and work on today during practice,” Muma said. “I’m just looking forward to this game and getting after it.
“It’s unfortunate what happened with Devin. I’m praying for him, hoping for a speedy recovery for him. But when it comes down to it, I’m excited for the opportunity. Ready to step up, the preparation doesn’t change. I’m just ready to be out there with the guys on defense, get their back, they got my back, get ready to run around.”
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