4 Jacksonville Jaguars on defense that need to shine vs Steelers

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense will be without a key cog in Week 11.

Ahead of their Week 11 matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars placed rookie C.J. Henderson on the Injured Reserve list with a groin injury. While this is not the end of the world, it’s not the most pleasant news either. After all, the Florida standout was coming off one of his best games in 2020.

Without Henderson, the ‘Jags’ will likely promote Tre Herndon to the starting lineup. He started the first four games of the season but took a step back with Sidney Jones playing opposite of Henderson.

On the bright side, Doug Costin cleared concussion protocols and should pick up where he left off in Week 9. Defensive tackle Taven Bryan was a non-factor against the Green Bay Packers, so it’s likely the Miami standout will start opposite of DaVon Hamilton, who keeps improving every week.

The Jaguars defense ranks 31st in points allowed and will have their work cut off when they play the Steelers offense, which ranks fourth in points. Led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the team is averaging 30.1 points per game and has scored more than 35 three times this season.

If the Jaguars want to keep up with the Steelers, their defense will have to force a couple of turnovers the way it did against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11 and these four players will need to stand out.