Laviska Shenault’s absence limits Jacksonville Jaguars playbook
Laviska Shenault Jr. makes the Jacksonville Jaguars offense more diverse.
Rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. has quickly become a key cog in the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ wide receiver corps. For that reason, it isn’t surprising to hear offensive coordinator Jay Gruden say that the team has designed special plays just for him.
In a recent sitdown with the local media, Gruden mentioned that Shenault is a ‘different kind of cat’ that can do some special things that call for a different kind of plays. On the other hand, the offensive coordinator pointed out that even though the team shortens the playbook when the Colorado product is not on the field, they have enough plays to make up for his absence.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense could be dominant in the following week.
Shenault left the Jaguars Week 9 matchup with a hamstring injury and didn’t return. Fortunately, the team’s brass said that isn’t as bad as they originally feared. That means that the rookie receiver should be back in the lineup sooner rather than later. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if he suited up against the Green Bay Packers in Week 10 and if that’s the case, the Jaguars’ offense will be fun to watch.
Shenault has hauled in 30 receptions for 323 yards and one touchdown. Moreover, he has avoided 11 tackles after a reception, the most among all wide receivers in the league. Rookie Jake Luton was 26-of-38 for 304 yards and one touchdown against the Texans. Imagine how better the Jaguars’ offense would’ve been if the rookie had finished the game.
In a way, it’s good that the ‘Jags’ didn’t miss a beat without Shenault. On the other hand, think of how much easier Luton’s job is going to be when the receiver is back. The Oregon State standout has already shown he can throw the ball deep and having Shenualt alongside D.J. Chark Jr. will incentivize him to keep taking shots downfield.
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Although the Packers’ defense is better than the Texans’, the Jaguars offense should continue thriving in Week 10. Having a healthy Shenault back on the field will make that a certainty.