Injuries in loss to Packers further complicate Jaguars' tough road to playoffs

The Jacksonville Jaguars are 2-6 after falling to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. They still have a slim chance to the playoffs but would have to win most of the games left on the schedule. Compounding the issue is that the Jags lost several starters to injury, which will further complicate an already challenging road to the postseason.

Early in Week 8, Jacksonville lost right guard Brandon Scherff, wide receiver Gabe Davis, and cornerback Ronald Darby. That was just the beginning, though. Christian Kirk later left the game with a shoulder injury after attempting a diving catch. Brian Thomas Jr. was next. He was on the sidelines late in the contests with an undisclosed injury.

Andre Cisco also got hurt in the game. He said in the aftermath that he had cramps early and his leg locked up on a big play later in the game, via Michael DiRocco of ESPN.

As of this writing, the severity of the injuries they sustained is unknown, but it's fair to say that the Jaguars could be in a tough spot if any of those players have to miss significant time. In particular, Thomas' potential absence could hurt the offense.

Heading into Week 8, the former LSU Tiger had 30 receptions for 513 yards with four touchdowns. He added three catches for 60 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown grab, against the Packers. Similarly, Kirk has been a mainstay of the offense the past two years and one of Trevor Lawrence's most trusted targets this season after a rough start.

Following the game, head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media and said that he didn't have any injury updates.

"I don't know. I haven't talked to Ferg yet," Pederson responded when asked about Kirk's injury, "I came straight in here, so I'll probably have something later, or tomorrow when I get the updates."

For clarity, Ferg, is vice president of player health and performance Jeff Ferguson.

It's also worth noting that running back Travis Etienne missed the game with a hamstring injury.

Injuries could be the straw that brakes the Jaguars' back in 2024

Some of the players that left the loss to the Green Bay Packers will probably return against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9. That said, there's a chance a few of them will miss time. If that's the case, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be in trouble. As admirable as their effort was, they came up short in Week 8, and that's the thing.

The Jags are 3-6 with the players they lost to injury. Imagine how they'll fare without them. There might be a decline. Granted, they have a few replacements ready to step up, but that may not be enough to salvage their season.

For instance, Parker Washington has made most of his opportunities and should hold the fort if he fills in for Kirk. On the other hand, Jacksonville will have trouble replacing Brian Thomas Jr., who gives the offense a vertical element it's sorely lacked for years. The same is true for Gabe Davis, who's played much better in recent weeks.

For the sake of the argument, let's say the Jags are without Davis and Thomas, the next man up is Tim Jones, who's only had one catch for the season. The team might also need to promote (or sign) rookie Joshua Cephus or sophomore Elijah Cooks to the active roster. Another alternative would rely on tight ends Evan Engram and Brenton Strange like they did late in the game, but Thomas' potential absence would leave a massive void on offense nonetheless.

The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars are suffering injuries at the worst possible time, and even if they choose not to throw in the towel, they may not have enough talent to turn their season around.

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