The Jacksonville Jaguars made multiple transactions on Saturday leading into their game against the New York Jets by elevating three players from their practice squad. Those three players they elevated were defensive back Brandon Rusnak, receiver Josh Hammond, and running back Nathan Cottrell.
Hammond’s elevation comes after the Jags placed receiver Laviska Shenault on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, so it gives the Jags five receivers heading into Sunday’s game, which is the number they had when Shenault was on the active roster. If he sees the field, Hammond would be active for the first time in his career.
As for Cottrell, Sunday’s game will mark the second consecutive one that he’s been elevated as the Jags placed veteran running back Carlos Hyde (concussion) on the injured reserve this week. Hyde missed last Sunday’s game against Houston, too, after sustaining a concussion Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans when he took a big hit from linebacker Derick Roberson.
However, the Jags did sign running back Ryquell Armstead to the active roster this week, but with him not being as familiar with the playbook yet, Cottrell could be active over him against the Jets. Then again, Cottrell may not have to come on the field for offensive purposes as he only was used on special teams last week.
As for Rusnak, he’s only been active for one game this season, and that game was the Jags’ first of the season against Houston. He saw the field for 18 special teams snaps but didn’t register any stats in the process.
The Jags also announced that rookie defensive end and linebacker Jordan Smith was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The rookie, who was taken in the fourth round of April’s draft has yet to play in a game this season, and that might continue this Sunday.
Once placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, an unvaccinated player must wait 10 days before they can return. However, vaccinated players can return within 48 hours if they register two negative tests that are 24 hours apart.
