Jacksonville Jaguars Need Ace Sanders Back

Ace Sanders was suspended by the NFL for four games to start the 2014 season. As the season loomed and the Jacksonville Jaguars were forced to consider rookie options at wide receiver, it looked like Sanders would be needed as soon as possible. Through four games the Jaguars have managed to be alright at wide receiver, but the offense has struggled. It isn’t wholly a wide receiver problem, obviously, but the team could definitely use the dynamic play of Ace Sanders at the position. Injuries have also been a problem for the team with Cecil Shorts and Marqise Lee missing time in particular.

Senior Writer John Oehser summed it up well with some of his final points on “setting the table” yesterday:

"*The Jaguars’ wide receiver is full of unknowns this week. Cecil Shorts III is expected to miss a third game in five weeks Sunday with a hamstring injury, though the team could have second-year veteran Ace Sandersback from a four-game, season-opening suspension. …*Sanders has been cleared to participate in all team-related activities. The team is eligible for a one-game roster exemption for Sanders this week and has until Saturday at 4 p.m. to determine his playing status for Sunday. …*Rookie wide receiver Marqise Lee, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, is going through the team’s return-to-play protocol. He could return to practice this week. …"

Unknowns are not a good way to head toward football games. The Jaguars need someone who can consistently be a threat and be prepared to play in games on a regular basis. Sanders is that someone.

The Jaguars have big play potential in Shorts and rookie Allen Hurns. Allen Robinson presents a consistent target for quarterback Blake Bortles. It’s Sanders, though, who brings dynamic play to the position. The shifty receiver has the potential to break plays open. He is also a threat in space.

Last season Sanders accumulated 51 receptions on 87 targets for 484 yards and a touchdown. For the Jaguars last season, that was incredible production (second on the team in receptions and yards).

Sanders also contributes on special teams. He is a quality return man and could fit in immediately for the Jaguars as the primary returner.

The Jags have a one-week exemption to see if they want to bring Sanders in for the week five game. He isn’t currently counting toward the 53 man cap but his suspension technically ran out on Sunday. Whether the Jags exercise that exemption on Saturday may speak to their confidence in the current receiving corps as much as it will speak to Sanders’ game readiness coming back from suspension.

Either way, the Jaguars need a consistent wide receiving target with dynamic skills. Sanders would provide that and can come in early and compete.