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The Jacksonville Jaguars rolled into Week 11’s game against the Indianapolis Colts thin at tight end due to Seth DeValve sustaining an oblique injury in practice a few days before. Unfortunately, they exited the game in even worse shape at the position as Josh Oliver, one of the team’s two healthy tight ends, exited the game with back fractures that could cause him to miss more time.
The #Jaguars signed TE Nick O’Leary in part because TE Josh Oliver suffered small fractures in his back, source said. Oliver should be out a few weeks, but this is the time of year any injury can land someone on Injured Reserve.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2019
The injury seemingly occurred on his only catch of the day, which was a 5-yard reception from quarterback Nick Foles. He was brought down awkwardly by a Colts defender and immediately grabbed his back.
Despite his lack of receptions (three catches for 15 yards), Oliver’s injury is a huge blow for the staff for the simple fact that Doug Marrone is probably coaching for his job. Additionally, the hope was for Oliver to get more involved down the line at a position that the Jags need production from given how the scheme works.
Oliver had already missed the first seven weeks of the season recovering from a severe hamstring injury he suffered early in training camp. Now, it appears he has a strong chance to finish the season on injured reserve, though the Jags could keep him on the roster if they believe the injury isn’t severe.