Gardner Minshew, Leonard Fournette amongst 6 players ruled as questionable vs. Colts

The Jacksonville Jaguars only ruled out one player for their season finale against the Indianapolis Colts in receiver Michael Walker (hamstring), but there were several starters ruled questionable. On the offensive side, Gardner Minshew II (shoulder) and Leonard Fournette (neck) will be game day decisions, while A.J. Bouye (wrist) will be one on the defensive side.

6 players are QUESTIONABLE for Sunday, 1 player is OUT.

Full @farahandfarah Injury Report ⤵ pic.twitter.com/FFI4CwOdSt

— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) December 27, 2019

Fournette and Walker didn’t practice Friday, however, Bouye and Minshew were limited. That’s likely not a good sign for Fournette, who has played in all of the Jags’ games this year and has done a good job staying healthy. If he’s unable to play, rookie Ryquell Armstead and Devine Ozigbo are the only two other tailbacks on the roster, while Nick Foles would replace Minshew and Brandon Watson or Parry Nickerson would get an opportunity in Bouye’s place.

Another key player who surfaced on the injury report was receiver Dede Westbrook (neck/shoulder), who didn’t practice Friday after fully participating Wednesday and Thursday. If he can’t play, the Jags will have DJ Chark Jr., Chris Conley, Keelan Cole, C.J. Board available at the receiver position.

As for the Indianapolis Colts, they ruled two players out in cornerback Quincy Wilson and tailback Jordan Wilkins. However, it hasn’t been revealed as to what players have been ruled questionable, but we’ll provide an update on their full report when it becomes available.

The good, the bad, and the ugly from the Jaguars’ 24-12 loss to the Falcons

The Jacksonville Jaguars unfortunately acquired their seventh double-digit loss season under owner Shad Khan after falling to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday. It was a game in which the Jags got off to another slow start and had to play from behind, which clearly isn’t a strength of theirs. In the end, the Falcons ended up covering the spread of 7.5 with ease, winning the game by a score of 24-12.

All of that said, lets take a look at the good, bad, and ugly moments from Sunday’s game against the Dirty Birds:

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The good: CB Tre Herndon

In a game where there wasn’t a lot of positives, cornerback Tre Herndon definitely brought his A-game. He was very active Sunday against the Falcons, accumulating three tackles, two pass deflections and a pick on the day.

In the play in which Herndon got the interception, quarterback Matt Ryan was trying to hit Julio Jones deep after a roll out, but Herndon came to help out veteran corner A.J. Bouye and high-pointed the ball. It marked his third of the year and he now leads the team in the category.

Herndon has been gaining confidence since becoming the Jags starter in Jalen Ramsey’s place. That said, he’s made a case to be a starter in 2020 at the cornerback position as there is still plenty of room for him to further develop.

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Postgame analysis: Jags acquire another double-digit loss season after falling to Falcons

The Jags struggles on defense continued against the Falcons and it resulted in their tenth loss of the season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars weren’t able to feed off the momentum they had last week in Oakland and fell to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday by a score of 24-12. The game marked their fifth double-digit loss since the bye week as the Jags fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter and could never recover. It also gave them their seventh double-digit loss season with Shad Khan as owner.

There were issues all over the place, but the defense probably was the biggest one as they allowed quarterback Matt Ryan and company to have success at will. The veteran had 384 passing yards on the day, 166 of which went to Julio Jones, and 82 of which went to Austin Hooper.

Coming into the game, we mentioned how strong the Falcons’ passing game was and they showed why they were the NFL’s fourth-ranked team through the air. Jones especially couldn’t be stopped even with the Jags’ best cornerback, A.J. Bouye, on him.

The Jags also didn’t fare well against the rush. The Falcons’ top rusher on the day, Brian Hill, had seven carries for 66 yards, which was good for a whopping average of 9.4. Their second-leading rusher, Devonta Freeman, had 13 carries for 53 yards (4.1-yard average) on the day and a touchdown.

The Jags also didn’t have a strong day on offense. They were only able to garner a total of 288 total rushing yards in comparison to the 518 the Falcons had. Gardner Minshew II finished the day with 181 passing yards and a touchdown, which went to receiver Chris Conley. The touchdown pass marked the third consecutive scoring connection between the two as they linked up for two touchdown passes last week against the Oakland Raiders. However, it ultimately proved not to be enough.

The Jags now have one game left on the season, which will end what has been a catastrophic year. That game will take place at TIAA Bank Field at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

Jaguars vs. Falcons: Week 16 Jags Wire staff picks and predictions

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a big change this week in the personnel department when the relieved Tom Coughlin of his duties, which means Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell are now fighting for their jobs. Standing in their way will be the team Caldwell formerly worked for in the Atlanta Falcons, who also have a 5-9 record but have been on fire as of late.

With a lot on the line for the personnel members of both teams, here are our predictions for Sunday’s game:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Falcons 31, Jags 17

These two teams have endured similar seasons in the sense that they’ve failed to meet expectations and have identical records of 5-9. However, it’s clear the Falcons are the better team and they’ve shown it in their last two games taking out the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. They’ve also been a little more competitive than the Jags as of late. All of that in mind, I could see their hot passing defense having their way with the Jags’ defense by utilizing the quick passing game and making the Jags play from behind.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Jags 24, Falcons 23

The Jaguars are headed up the road for a quick trip to face the Falcons. Both teams will enter the game 5-9 and both are coming off surprising wins last week. This matchup is a pick em game at best as both teams have been underwhelming this year and inconsistent. Luckily for the Jaguars, the Falcons haven’t been the best at running the ball this year only averaging 81 yards per game. Hopefully, the defense can keep the Falcons at that average and not near the 140 yards they normally give up on the ground. I could see the Jaguars finding a way to steal this one thanks to a last second field goal.

Daniel Griffis (@GriffisNFL): Falcons 27, Jaguars 16

The Jaguars got the monkey off their back last week against Oakland, ending a five-game losing streak. After struggling mightily earlier in the year, Atlanta has come on strong late, defeating the 49ers last weekend. I think this will be a fun game to watch. DJ Chark Jr. is closing in on 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns and Gardner Minshew II will have more opportunities to prove he is the 2020 starter. That said, I still believe the Matt Ryan led Falcons come away with this one.

Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Falcons 29, Jaguars 19

The Falcons are coming off of two big wins against the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers and it’s clear they want to finish the season strong. I expect a huge game out of Matt Ryan. The Jaguars’ offense will possibly have a tough time against a ball-hawking Atlanta defense that has played better as of late.

How to watch, stream, listen to Jags vs. Falcons

The Jaguars and Falcons have meet a slew of times in the preseason, but Sunday will be the seventh time it’s happened in the regular season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be coming off a week in which they were the talk of the league due to the firing of Tom Coughlin. However, they must quickly put the event past them and focus on a hot Atlanta Falcons team that has won their last two games.

The Jags will enter Sunday’s game after coming off a victory of their own, which took place on the West Coast against the Oakland Raiders but the Falcons will present a much bigger challenge. With Matt Ryan leading the way, the Jags’ pass-rush is going to have to be on their A-game as the Falcons’ offense is fourth in passing.

One thing that could help the Jags is the fact that receiver DJ Chark Jr. is trending towards a return Sunday. That should help the Jags tremendously as it was clear Gardner Minshew II missed him last Sunday despite having success with Chris Conley and Keelan Cole.

Here is how fans can tune in to the action as the Jags take on the Falcons Sunday afternoon:

Game Information

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

Jaguars official smartphone app for select affiliate markets

Television

Action News FOX30 (locally)

Radio

1010XL AM and 92.5 FM (flagship) Jaguars Radio Network

Sirius: Jaguars internet channel 814 (feed channel 814) Falcons internet channel 801 (feed channel 81)

Extras

Connect with us on Twitter (@TheJaguarsWire) and Facebook

Follow our comrades over at Falcons Wire

Official page Facebook Twitter

DJ Chark could hit the 1,000-yard mark in Week 16’s vs. Falcons

DJ Chark could achieve a statistical feat that hasn’t been hit since 2015 Sunday against the Falcons.

There hasn’t been a lot to be proud of when looking at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2019 season, but receiver DJ Chark Jr. has certainly been a bright spot. If he suits up from the ankle injury he sustained against the Los Angeles Chargers as Doug Marrone stated, he’ll need just 44 yards against the Atlanta Falcons to hit the 1,000-yard mark, something that hasn’t been done since 2015 when Allen Robinson achieved the feat.

When looking at how his rookie season in 2018 went, it appeared as though Chark was far from becoming the Jags’ top receiver, however, under the tutelage of former Jags great Keenan McCardell, he’s not only become one of the team’s most improved players, but one of the league’s most improved players.

At just 23 years of age, Chark would also join Robinson as the only player at his age or younger to achieve the feat for the Jags franchise. With Gardner Minshew II utilizing him as his favorite target and some momentum from a Week 15 performance where he had a game-winning drive, Chark should have no issues getting 44 yards. Add in the fact that the Falcons are ranked 24th against the pass, and it appears he may even have a chance to leave the game with 1,000 yards and a touchdown or two, too.

Calais Campbell headed to third consecutive Pro Bowl

Calais Campbell will represent the Jags for the third straight time in the Pro Bowl.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell will be heading to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

Pro Bowl bound for a 3rd straight year.@CalaisCampbell will once again represent #DUUUVAL in Orlando.#WPMOYChallenge

— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) December 18, 2019

With the league announcing its 2019 Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and NFC Tuesday, the Jags announced that Campbell was their lone nominee (for now) to make the initial team. The Jags also announced that five players made the cut as alternates, including placekicker Josh Lambo (first alternate), tailback Leonard Fournette (second alternate), pass rusher Josh Allen (second alternate), punter Logan Cooke (third alternate) and receiver DJ Chark Jr. (third alternate).

So far this season Campbell has been able to register 53 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He’s also found himself as one of Pro Football Focus top graded defensive lineman with a current grade of 90.3.

The veteran has had quite a career with both the Jags and Arizona Cardinals, accumulating a total of 688 tackles, 14 forced fumbles, and 88 sacks. His recent nomination puts him in company with Jags greats like Tony Boselli (five selections), receiver Jimmy Smith (five selections) and running back Maurice Jones-Drew (three selections) all of whom have been to three Pro Bowls or more with the franchise. He also had two nominations with the Cardinals in 2014-15.

Bucs vs. Jaguars: Week 13 Jags Wire staff picks and predictions

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be returning home to take on the Tampa Bay Bucs after spending a month away from TIAA Bank Field. They’ll be looking to end a three-game skid against a group that has some momentum after the Bucs took it to the Atlanta …

Here are our predictions for Week 13 as fans will get to witness an in-state rivalry in North Florida:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): 35 Jags, 31 Bucs

Call it a gut feeling, but I believe both teams will score a lot of points. The Jags’ defense isn’t elite anymore and hasn’t been for a while. They also could be without starters Myles Jack and Tre Herndon against a very good Bucs passing unit to make matters worse. However, the Bucs’ defense is even worse (at least against the pass) making for the perfect situation for Nick Foles to find his groove. I believe the Jags will make one more key play than their in-state rivals a notch a win here.

Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Jags 16, Bucs 14

Three straight division losses have seemingly sent the locker room and fanbase into an all-out frenzy. The Jaguars are a better team than the Bucs, they should win this game handily, however, they’ll find a way to make it much closer than it needs to be. As I mentioned last week, it’s in the team’s best interest to lose out, but they’ll trip into a win in front of an empty TIAA Bank Stadium with fans growing tired of the poor choices by the organization.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Jags 17, Bucs 10

This game is literally the definition of a pick-em game. Both teams have fallen short of their expectations for the season. Both teams are also suffering from inconsistent quarterback play and that will likely be the theme of the day and the reason why the Jags win. Jameis Winston will throw a costly pick that leads to a field goal that seals it.

Daniel Griffis (@GriffisNFL): 26 Bucs, Jags 20

Confidence in the Jaguars has hit an all-time low. The team has lost three straight games by 20 or more points and have shown no signs of turning it around. Both sides of the balk are struggling, but with the turnover prone Tampa Bay Bucs coming to town, the team may be able to show signs of life. I think the Jags come away disappointed, but will manage to keep it close.

Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Bucs 36, Jags 23

The Jags will have their hands completely full with a potential makeshift group in the front seven, who will have to guard both Buccaneers receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Jaguars will need to force Jameis Winston into a couple of turnovers to keep this game even. I predict that Nick Foles will struggle, which could lead to him getting benched in favor of Gardner Minshew II in this game.

3 bold predictions for Bucs vs. Jags

DJ Chark could be up for another game with two touchdowns and 120-plus yards as the Bucs are struggling mightily against the pass.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking to start the month of December on the right track this Sunday against their in-state rivals in the Tampa Bay Bucs. Both teams will come into the game below .500, but most fans would agree they have the talent to make this game competitive and interesting.

Here are three bold predictions for Sunday’s game, which will take place at TIAA Bank Field:

Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

WR DJ Chark Jr. will have his second 150-plus yard day with two touchdowns

The Jags will be up against the No. 31 ranked passing defense (289.9 YPG average) Sunday, which sets DJ Chark Jr. and the passing game up to eat. He’s been Nick Foles’ favorite receiver since his return from collarbone surgery and that likely won’t change this year.

Despite the success of Foles’ and Chark’s connection, the young receiver had his second-lowest receiving yards total of the year last week against the Tennessee Titans (38). Typically when he doesn’t get going and/or Leonard Fournette struggles, the Jags normally don’t have a good day on offense. That said, they need to get to Chark early and often.

There will be times where he and the Jags’ other receivers are lining up against rookie cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, who is learning the game. He currently has a grade of 58.5 on Pro Football Focus while Chark is one of the highest-graded Jags on the roster with a 80.7. Those numbers alone should warrant a lot of targets for Chark.

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