2nd-year receiver gives Jaguars a dynamic returner during Devin Duvernay's stay on IR

The Jacksonville Jaguars will get reinforcements on offense and defense in the upcoming weeks. On the other hand, they'll be without special teams ace Devin Duvernay for at least four games. Fortunately for the Jags, wide receiver Parker Washington is ready to fill in his shoes.

Not long after Jacksonville shared their initial injury report for Week 6, they announced that they had placed Duvernay on Injured Reserve, so he'll at least sit out four games. While he mostly contributes in the return game, he also plays receiver from time to time.

Head coach Doug Pederson hinted during his Monday press conference that Duvernay would probably show up on the injury report.

"Duvernay is going to be one that is going to show up on the injury report from yesterday. We're going to see where he's at," Pederson told the media. "It's another lower body."

After assessing the severity of his injury, the team's brass might've come to the conclusion that IR was the best course of action for the return specialist.

A third-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, the former Texas Longhorn made two Pro Bowls and earned an All-Pro selection in his first four seasons. He signed a two-year deal with the Jags in free agency, pointing out that they gave him "the best opportunity for himself and his future."

For his career, Duvernay has returned 76 punts for 967 yards and 78 kicks for 1,911 yards with two touchdowns.

Parker Washington ready to step up for the Jaguars during Devin Duvernay's absence

With Devin Duvernay unable to contribute, the Jacksonville Jaguars will most likely turn to sophomore Parker Washington, who made strides in the offseason and had a productive preseason.

In the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington had a 74-yard return.

He then hauled in a 25-yard touchdown reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Just before the game, Doug Pederson praised the Texas native, pointing out that he was a bright spot for the offense in training camp.

A fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft, Washington spent an early portion of his rookie season on Injured Reserve but saw an uptick in playing time when fellow receiver Christian Kirk suffered a core injury that forced him to miss the last four games of the year. The former Nittany Lion finished the 2023 campaign with 16 yards for 132 yards with two touchdowns.

While Washington won't get many targets or playing time on offense, he could also give the Jaguars another option in the slot, where he's the most effective as a receiver.

Another alternative to replace Duvernay in the return game could be D'Ernest Johnson, who's returned several punts throughout his career. That said, Washington may be the better option of the two. When you take into account that he's yet to reach his ceiling and could benefit from extra playing time, the coaching staff may roll with him.

You never want to see players go down with injuries. But at least in the Jaguars' case, they have a dynamic in-house replacement for Devin Duvernay in Parker Washington, who'll be looking to make the most of his opportunities.

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