Status of Yannick Ngakoue could make things difficult for the Jaguars

While Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash hopes Yannick Ngakoue plays on Sunday, his status is still a question ahead of the game against the Texans.

The Jaguars are going to need defensive end Yannick Ngakoue on Sunday when they face the Houston Texans. The problem is a hamstring injury has limited the pass rusher this week, which leaves his status for the game in doubt.

"As reported by ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco, “Ngakoue (hamstring) wore his helmet and shells and participated in some drills during the open media portion of practice but is listed as Did Not Practice on the official injury report.”"

Not having Ngakoue on the field or at full strength against the Texans offense that features Deshaun Watson at quarterback could make for a long day in Houston.

The Jaguars defense is already under a microscope after surrendering seven scoring drives in seven attempts by the Kansas City Chiefs last week. The team did not register a sack either. The offense was the star of the show, which scored 26 points between Nick Foles and Gardner Minshew being under center.

This week must be better.

"“If he’s [Ngakoue] unable to play, that would mean more reps for first-round pick Josh Allen, who had a solid debut against Kansas City; though he had only two tackles, he also had a pair of hits on Patrick Mahomes,” DiRocco wrote.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsThe Jacksonville Jaguars got so lucky with the 2021 NFL DraftJacksonville Jaguars opt for continuity at RB, re-sign JaMycal HastyJaguars Mock Draft: Huge trade for a WR, add more help on offense3 landing spots for Jacksonville Jaguars WR Marvin Jones in 2023 NFL free agency3 takeaways from Jacksonville Jaguars decision to give DE Roy Robertson-Harris new 3-year deal“Getting Ngakoue on the field would be huge against a Texans offensive line that has struggled to protect Deshaun Watson the past two seasons.”"

This game has more significance than the one the Jaguars just played at home against the Chiefs. Jacksonville cannot afford to be 0-2 for the start of the season and 0-1 in the division with Tennessee their opponent just four days later at TIAA Bank Field.

Facing a potentially better Titans team than many expected and the thought of having to stop Derrick Henry after facing the ever-elusive Watson is a tall order for this team to address.

"“I think when you play somebody in the AFC South it’s a big game. Our goal is obviously to win the AFC South every year, so this is the start of that,” defensive coordinator Todd Wash said Thursday when he met with the media."

“Obviously we know we didn’t play well. Mr. Obvious, right? … But back to Houston, they’re ready to play. It’s going to be a big game. They’re very talented on offense obviously with Hop [DeAndre Hopkins] and [Deshaun] Watson and their two backs. The way they ran on Monday night was very, very impressive, so it’s going to be a good challenge once again for us defensively.”

Calais Campbell was held out of practice on Wednesday as well but was back on the field practicing with the team on a limited basis. The same thing for defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, who missed the first game of the season.

Not having Ngakoue could mean more opportunities for rookie Josh Allen, who showed the coaching staff some good things in his first game as a pro.