Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback room takes hit with CJ Henderson on IR

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without their rookie cornerback.

Ahead of their Week 11 matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced they have placed rookie cornerback C.J. Henderson on the Injured Reserve List with a hamstring injury. Early Thursday, the Florida standout showed up on the Injury Report, and not long after, the team made the announcement regarding his status.

Henderson started in all games he dressed up for this season and registered 36 total tackles, six pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one interception. Although he had struggled in previous weeks, he was solid against the Pittsburg Steelers in Week 11. In that contest, he allowed six passes for 43 yards, but forced a fumble and had two passes defensed.

While the rookie cornerback displayed flashes of the talent that made him the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft, he will have to wait before he can resume playing. On the other hand, his injury will be a big blow to the Jaguars’ cornerback group.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will have their CB tested in Week 11.

Henderson’s absence will test the Jaguars’ depth at cornerback. Sidney Jones also showed up on the team’s Injury Report as questionable with a shoulder injury. Tre Herndon started some games early in the season and has handled slot duties in recent weeks, but he could take one cornerback spot.

This could also be an opportunity for rookie Chris Claybrooks to get his role increased. The Memphis product has suited up for every game this season and has registered 18 total tackles and three pass deflections. All in all, he’s played in 30.15 percent of the team’s total snaps on defense in 2020, but that number could go up in Week 11.

The Jaguars are going to be short-handed at cornerback when they take on the Steelers. With or without Henderson, this was going to be a tough matchup but his absence will definitely not make things easy for this Jacksonville team.