Injuries plague the Jaguars ahead of Sunday’s game at Houston

Several key players could be watching from the bench for the Jaguars instead of being on the field when they play the Houston Texans.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash said earlier in the week he was hopeful that both defensive ends, Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue would be available when the team faces the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Campbell will play but Ngakoue, who is still dealing with a hamstring injury was declared out for the game.

The news means that Campbell will move back outside as a pass rusher while rookie Josh Allen gets another start in the second game of his career.

And Coach Doug Marone made the announcement that his fourth-year player from Maryland, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, will have to sit out the game, which is a devastating blow to the Jaguars defensive scheme.

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"“It’s a shame. I spoke to him [Yannick], and he really wants to play. He’s like, ‘I really want to play. I don’t care. I want to get out there.’ You don’t really see that a lot, but that’s how he’s been. I found out yesterday around 4:30, 5 o’clock. They told me they weren’t going to let him play,” Marrone told the media Friday afternoon."

Injuries have been a huge concern for the Jaguars this offseason, which lead to a change in practice schedules and how the team prepared in training camp and the preseason.

Ngakoue was not the only player who won’t see action on Sunday as Marrone has decided to keep left tackle Cam Robinson out to continue to rest his right knee. Robinson was ready to return to action but Marrone said it was his decision to not play the third-year player from Alabama.

"“Cam [Robinson] is actually cleared to play, but I’m going to keep him out,” he said. “I just want to make sure he gets the work in, and he missed a lot of training camp; he’s missed a lot. We’ll go with the same group we had.”"

That means Will Richardson will get his second straight start at left tackle.

Also, A.J. Bouye is most likely out for the game, opening the door for Tre Herndon to get a start in the secondary. Bouye, who dealt with injuries last season, could be a bigger loss than Ngakoue, as the Texans passing game will be a tough test for Jacksonville all day long.

The Jaguars will also be without tackle Cedric Ogbuehi and rookie tight end Josh Oliver who are both still dealing with hamstring injuries. Wide receiver Marqise Lee was limited this week, still dealing with the knee injury that sidelined him all of last season.