Tag: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars’ final injury report vs. Colts in Week 1

Jags final injury report in Week 1.

The Jacksonville Jaguars only have one player ruled out ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colt at TIAA Bank Field.

The only player to have an injury designation for the Jaguars in Week 1 is tight end Tyler Davis, who failed to practice all week due to a knee injury. The Colts also had one player ruled out but also had one player listed as questionable.

Here’s a look at the full and final injury report for the Jagaurs in Week 1:

Name Position Injury Wed. (9/9) Thurs. (9/10) Fri. (9/11) Game Status
Tyler Davis TE Knee DNP DNP DNP OUT
Tyler Eifert TE Rest DNP FP FP —
Adam Gostis DE Rest — DNP FP —
James O’Shaughnessy TE Rest — DNP FP —
Josiah Scott CB Shoulder — FP FP —

The Colts are strong favorites over the Jaguars in Week 1 with a 7.5-point spread. Despite being on the road, the Colts have plenty of health and momentum entering the opening week after a strong training camp.

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Colts vs. Jaguars: 5 pregame storylines to watch in Week 1

Storylines to watch in Week 1.

The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their Week 1 opening matchup at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Through a long offseason that was disrupted by a pandemic and with teams working without a preseason, there are plenty of storylines to keep an eye on for Sunday’s matchup.

>>>Colts Wire staff makes Week 1 predictions<<<

Here are five pregame storylines to watch in Week 1:

How Philip Rivers runs the offense

Arguably the biggest storyline for the Colts this season will be revolved around the veteran Rivers. Signing a one-year deal in free agency, Rivers and the Colts are hoping this match will result in the team making the playoffs for the second time in the last six years.

The offense shouldn’t change too much with Rivers running it. How it will differ from 2019, though, is that we may see more shots down the field, especially when it comes to T.Y. Hilton breaking free.

The Colts are still an offense that wants to run the ball and they are likely to do so in neutral game scripts, but it will be interesting to see how the offense will perform will Rivers commanding it.

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Prospects for Jags fans to watch: Florida TE Kyle Pitts

The Jags need to find their guy at tight end down the road and Kyle Pitts may be the answer they need.

This weekend the National Football League and some Power-5 college football programs get their seasons underway and with it comes talk of the NFL Draft. Teams are already monitoring the situations regarding prospects opting out and how each conference is handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the players who seems ready to go for 2020 is Florida’s Kyle Pitts. As a former 4-star recruit, Pitts brings all the necessary physical tools to be the best tight end in the class and a potential first-round draft selection.

At 6-foot-6 and 239 pounds, Pitts possesses more of a tweener body than a true tight end or wide receiver. That said, he’s got all the necessary athleticism to fool some into believing he is a receiver. Pitts plays with natural quickness and the fluidity with which he plays is uncanny for a man of his stature.

Pitts runs the route above better than many receivers wish they could. He gives a very subtle indication he is going outside before cutting inside, creating separation. Unfortunately, the ball is a bit low but Pitts seamlessly grabs the ball and keeps his momentum before turning on the jets to burn the Georgia Bulldogs’ secondary. Simply put, he’s smooth.

Pitts certainly doesn’t waste his 6-foot-6 frame either. He knows his size is a mismatch, certainly in the slot and he takes advantage of this often.

On the red-zone play above, Pitts gets himself some separation before high pointing an overthrown ball, displaying incredible ball skills, and a massive catch radius. A linebacker just simply isn’t going to cut it when it comes to covering this phenom.

Pitts also knows how to utilize his large catch radius and size in the endzone as well.

For Florida, Pitts gave Gator quarterback Kyle Trask everything he could ask for. Pitts played the part of a safety blanket, a mismatch receiver, and a red-zone threat all in one. This was one of the reasons that Pitts led the Gators in receptions, even with three Gator receivers being drafted. In 2019, Pitts hauled in 54 balls for 649 yards and 5 touchdowns, certainly impressive numbers for a “tight end.”

Many tight ends in the mold of Pitts are very rarely willing or capable blockers. However, this isn’t something scouts will call Pitts out for when it comes to effort. In fact, Florida felt comfortable enough to match Pitts up against Auburn’s Marlon Davidson, who was a 6-foot-3, 303-pound beast in the trenches for the Tigers. Pitts, surprisingly, held up really well and was able to consistently open up running lanes for Florida running back Lamical Perine.

For an offensive weapon of Pitts’ caliber at tight end, this is really encouraging. It’s something you don’t often see enough of in modern-day tight ends.

I think Pitts is this draft class’s best tight end and has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. His athletic profile, willingness to block, and nuance as a receiver makes him a high profile target for any team looking for the next Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce, or George Kittle. While I’m not necessarily comparing him to those three, he does have the potential to be one of the league’s best at the position.

The Jaguars have sorely lacked a down-field, vertical-threat for much of the franchise’s history and I believe it is time that trend dies. With a stacked tight end class, there are plenty of options but if you are asking me, none provide more of a threat than Pitts.

Jags’ James Robinson discusses his mindset for Week 1, top attributes and going undrafted

Jags undrafted RB James Robinson is set to take the field as a starter against the Colts and begin what could be a great underdog story.

When the Jacksonville Jaguars entered this offseason, many of their fans expected to see running back Leonard Fournette return as a starter in 2020. However, last month the team shockingly waived him, ending his career in Jacksonville before he could even play out his rookie contract.

The move was one that eventually made undrafted rookie James Robinson the Jags’ No. 1 running back for the 2020 season. While some are skeptical about the decision and worried about there being a drop-off, Robinson seemed calm, cool and collected Friday when meeting with the media.

“No, not at all,” Robinson said to the Jacksonville media when asked if he was nervous about Week 1’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. “At the same time, I have ten other guys on the field with me that’s working for the same goal and that’s to win. So, no, I’m not nervous at all.”

While the Jags will have a lot of new faces on the defensive side, there will be a wide array of returning starters on the offensive side, so one could see why Robinson is comfortable with the group around him. Included in that group will be the same starting five offensive linemen from 2019, who the staff is banking on being better due to the lack of changes. For Robinson’s sake, this could be a big plus and could lead to a solid start to his career after an ultra-productive one at Illinois State.

The Jags’ confidence in Robinson has been clear for almost a month now and the same applies to his teammates. In fact, the team’s most experienced running back, Chris Thompson, even went as far as recently saying Robinson has the best vision in the running backs room. Robinson echoed those sentiments Friday when asked about the three best aspects of his game.

“I’d say vision, making the first guy miss and I would say my acceleration through the hole,” he said.

As for his journey into the league, Robinson also discussed how the draft process went for him. After an ultra-productive college career where he garnered 4,444 yards and 44 touchdowns at Illinois State, a solid showing in the Shrine Game, and a good combine, he felt that some team would take him, but ultimately that wasn’t the case.

“Yeah, once I left, I felt like I did pretty well and I would have a good chance of being drafted,” Robinson said about the combine. “Honestly, everyone wants to get drafted, but towards the end, it wasn’t really looking good. So, I was waiting on a team to call and pick me up and the Jaguars did and I’m thankful for that.”

We shared the story of just how the Jags landed Robinson after the draft. In a nutshell, Jags scout Marty Miller was in charge of getting in contact with the undrafted running backs for Doug Marrone and the staff. He was having little luck finding players but his wife, Kerinda, encouraged him to call Robinson who he was certain had been picked up. Sure enough, Robinson was available and ended up signing with the Jags though he said there was interest from the San Francisco 49ers, too.

Now, after a very unique journey, Robinson is about 23 hours from his first start. If he’s successful as the Jags believe he can be, Robinson could be another great underdog story, which is something Jags fans have seen on multiple occasions in recent history.

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

Will the Colts-Jags Week 1 game be on TV in your area?

The Colts and Jags will be duking out Week 1 and plenty near Jacksonville and Indianapolis will be able to watch.

The Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 season is almost here as the team will kickoff their campaign at home against the Indianapolis Colts. The game will be one of 10 that will start at 1 P.M. EST on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Per 506 Sports, those in the teal shaded area below will be able to catch the action as the game will be aired on CBS.

This week, there will be some familiar faces calling the game in Spero Dedes (play-by-play) and Adam Archuleta (color commentary).

The Jags are largely viewed as underdogs this week, however, one thing they have going in their favor is that they beat the Colts in their last meeting by a score of 38-20, which was the 2019 season finale. In the meeting before that (Week 10), the Colts were able to win handily by a score of 33-13.

Since their last meeting both teams have made some upgrades. In the Jags case, they leaned towards the defense a little more than the offense, landing players like Joe Schobert, C.J. Henderson, and K’Lavon Chaisson in the offseason.

On offense, Gardner Minshew II will have some new weapons at receiver in Laviska Shenault Jr., Collin Johnson, and Tyler Eifert. The Jags will also be giving undrafted running back James Robinson the nod to start, too, after the team waived Leonard Fournette recently.

Colts vs. Jaguars: Week 1 staff picks and predictions

Colts Wire staff makes their picks in Week 1.

The Indianapolis Colts are all but set to kick off the 2020 season with a road trip down to TIAA Bank Field for a Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Following the long offseason, the Colts made some strong improvements. It has led to them being strong favorites on the road to open the season. In addition, several experts around the league are choosing the Colts to come out of Week 1 with a win.

Before the Colts travel south, here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees the opener shaking out:

Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11): Colts 28, Jaguars 17

The Colts offense should be much improved over the product they put on the field last year. The addition of Philip Rivers should have an immediate impact, especially as his rapport with T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell grows quickly. All three should be in for strong days.

While Rivers will be the storyline of the day, the rushing attack will be the one dominating. Against a lowly Jags run defense that just lost Yannick Ngakoue, Marcell Dareus and Calais Campbell, Marlon Mack should be ready to eat.

Defensively, the Colts will have to find a way to lock down DJ Chark, who will be the source of offense for Jacksonville. Quarterback Gardner Minshew is coming off a solid rookie season, but the Colts shouldn’t be afraid of him. With a new weapon like DeForest Buckner leading the pass rush, it should be a strong day for the Indy defense.

The Colts haven’t won a regular-season opener since 2013. That’s going to change Sunday as Indy cruises to a Week 1 win.

Sam Sinclair (@samsinclair96): Colts 27, Jaguars 17

As week one approaches, the Indianapolis Colts will head down to a location they haven’t won in since 2014, Jacksonville, Florida.

The 2020 season should be exciting as the Colts bring in a lot of new faces at key positions and should be in contention for the AFC South title.

With how the schedule breaks for Indianapolis this will be their lone divisional game until early-November, so getting up 1-0 will be paramount.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have completely dismantled their team apart as they look to begin another rebuild this season.

I’m going to take the Colts, who on paper are a better team and are a 7.5 point road favorite according to Vegas.

John Alfieri (@alfierijohn): Colts 30, Jaguars 10

The Colts enter the 2020 season with lots of firepower on offense. Philip Rivers has looked great in training camp, connecting with his new receivers and developing a relationship with T.Y Hilton. Hilton is in a contract year and has to prove he can still be productive and stay healthy to stay in Indy.

I think he will have a big year, but the headline on Monday will be the dynamic rushing attack of Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor. They can easily combine for over 200 yards against this shallow Jacksonville defense and will show great signs of things to come.

On the defensive side of the ball, expect a big game out of new addition DeForest Buckner who has great run-stopping and pass-rushing ability. He will be much needed on the Colts defensive front in an area that they struggled with last season.

All in all, it should be a pretty commanding performance from the Colts as they take care of business and get their first week one win since 2013.

Jags injury report: TE Tyler Davis out for season opener vs. Colts

The Jags will be without just one player to open the season against the Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Davis.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be close to 100% when they take the field Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. In fact, they only had one player on the injury report in rookie tight end Tyler Davis who is dealing with a knee injury.

Davis, who the Jags drafted in the sixth-round in April’s draft, has surfaced on the injury report since Wednesday and was held out of each session.

Without Davis, the Jags currently have two tight ends on the active roster in Tyler Eifert and James O’Shaughnessy. If the staff isn’t comfortable with just those two players, both Ben Ellefson and Matt Flanagan are available on the practice squad for a call up. The Jags could also use fullback Bruce Miller as a tight end, too, if needed.

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

Colts rule out S Julian Blackmon vs. Jaguars

Only one player ruled out for Week 1.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters Friday that safety Julian Blackmon would be the only player ruled out against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1.

>>>Experts make Week 1 picks for Colts vs. Jags<<<

This is a very encouraging sign for the Colts, who had a number of players listed on their injury report this week. But it appears there is optimism that almost the entire roster will be healthy and ready to go for the Week 1 opener.

Despite starting offensive linemen Quenton Nelson, Anthony Castonzo and Ryan Kelly all either missing time or being limited this week, Reich told the media that all three are ready to go and will start against the Jaguars.

Blackmon is still working his way back into the Colts’ system after missing most of training camp rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered in December during his final game at Utah.

It is expected that Blackmon will be worked along slowly and may not make a full impact until October. But he’s already ahead of schedule with his rehab and even got limited practices in this week, which means he’s close.

But this is a positive sign that the Colts only have one player on the active roster ruled out for injury, especially given some of the names that were on the injury report this week.

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Colts remain 7.5-point favorites over Jaguars

Indy is strong favorites to open the season.

The Indianapolis Colts will enter the first weekend of the 2020 season as strong favorites over their division counterparts in the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1.

>>>MORE: Experts make Week 1 picks<<<

The Colts opened the week as solid 7.5-point road favorites over the Jaguars ahead of the Week 1 matchup at TIAA Bank Field, and the line has stayed right there, per BetMGM. The total also sits at 44.5 points, suggesting this could be a relatively high-scoring affair.

The Colts haven’t won their regular-season opener since 2013 but they appear ready to do so on Sunday. With a new quarterback in Philip Rivers and with the Jaguars looking lowly on paper, the Colts should leave Jacksonville with a win.

After an abysmal year when it came to throwing the football, the Colts are hoping the addition of Rivers will bring life back to the passing game. Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is certainly excited about his prospects for the season, and the Colts shouldn’t have too much trouble moving the ball against a rebuilding Jaguars defense.

Podcast: Jags Wire discusses Week 1’s matchup with Colts Wire’s Arden Franklyn

The Bleav in the Jags Podcast finally brought fans some regular season content by talking Colts vs. Jags with Colts Wire’s Arden Franklyn.

Finally, we’re at the time of the year where the “Bleav in Jags Podcast” will now be producing content about the regular season for the Jags Wire. That said, in this week’s episode we previewed Week 1’s matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.

For this season’s series of regular season episodes, the goal is to bring our listeners and readers a guest to break down the Jags’ opponents and we achieved that this week by having on our good friend, Colts Wire contributor, and 4$IDE Network CEO Arden Franklyn. As a longtime Colts fan Arden shared his thoughts about the Colts’ free-agent additions, their draft class, Philip Rivers, X-factors to watch in Sunday’s game, and more.

Afterward, Phil and I discussed our record predictions for the Jags and Phil also got a do-over on his hot take of the season due to Josh Oliver heading to injured reserve.

Feel free to listen to the archived episodes of “Bleav in the Jags,”too, and subscribe via Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.