3 takeaways from the Jaguars win vs. the Jets on Thursday Night Football
1. The Jaguars lost DE Dawuane Smoot vs. the Jets
For the second straight week, the Jags have lost an important member of the team. Against the Cowboys, it was left tackle Cam Robinson and defensive end Dawuane Smoot left Thursday Night with a foot injury. Head coach Doug Pederson told the media Smoot was going to undergo an MRI and didn’t want to make any early announcements.
However, Smoot confirmed on social media that he indeed tore his Achilles and is out for the year.
#Jaguars DL Dawuane Smoot says on Instagram the results of his MRI confirmed that he tore his Achilles against the Jets Thursday night:
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) December 24, 2022
“I’m disappointed that I won't be able to finish the season on the field alongside my brothers as we fight for a postseason berth …” pic.twitter.com/FhFqOH5ijH
A third-round pick by the Jaguars in the 2017 draft, Smoot was one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. This season, he appeared in 15 games and had 21 total tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble. The former Fighting Illini is set to become a free agent next offseason, so his injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Smoot has been low-key an important contributor upfront. The silver lining is that the Jags will most probably get reinforcements against the Houston Texans in Week 17. Outside linebacker Travon Walker and defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who didn’t suit up on Thursday Night Football, will most likely be available for the division matchup.
It’s never a good thing when a player has to miss an extended period of time but Jaguars should be able to overcome Smoot’s season-ending injury.
Trending. Doug Pederson deserves to be coach of the year. light