Jaguars OLB Travon Walker will have chance to finish 2022 season strong

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost defensive end Dawuane Smoot for the year but reinforcements are potentially on the way. Rookie outside linebacker Travon Walker, who suffered an ankle injury against the Tenessee Titans in Week 14, will be back soon and will have the chance to finish the regular season strong.

Head coach Doug Pederson told the media Wednesday that the former Georgia Bulldog is very close to returning and defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said Thursday that having him back would be huge.

“It’s big”, Caldwell said. “Just to get him back in the locker room, back on the field instead of the sideline rehabbing. Just get him back, it’d be a boost for the guys. It’s the way he makes plays, the way he plays, physical, it adds a boost of energy to the team. To get him back would be great, hopefully, he comes back”.

Walker started the 2022 season strong, registering one sack and an interception against the Washington Commanders in the opener. He then went through a cool stretch but had a breakout game against the Titans. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury that has sidelined him the last couple of games. On the bright side, he should be back either this week or next. He’s been limited in practice and might be listed as questionable for Sunday.

The Jaguars must wait for OLB Travon Walker to be 100 percent

Players might not truly be 100 percent during the season. Due to how physical football is, it’s hard not to see them dealing with at least a few bruises on a weekly basis. Having said that, the Jaguars’ brass should keep Travon Walker out of the field until he’s close to 100 percent.

The Jags could easily put off Walker’s return until the finale and have him ready for a potential playoff run. Simply, it doesn’t make sense to rush him back. On the other hand, he needs to play if he’s ready because he must take advantage of whatever playing time he can get.

Walker had a pretty good outing against the Cowboys, forcing a fumble and logging three tackles and the team’s brass would surely like him to build off of that and carry momentum into the offseason.

With Dawuane Smoot out for the season, the Jags will need to lean on other players to create pressure front. Walker has shown he’s capable of doing that and he’ll have the chance to turn his potential production once he returns to the lineup.