Jaguars getting huge boost as Devin Lloyd returns for Texans matchup

Last month, the Jacksonville Jaguars defense suffered a huge blow when linebacker Devin Lloyd was injured during their game against the Seattle Seahawks. While the injury initially didn't seem too severe, Lloyd ended up out of commission for weeks.

With Lloyd out due to an injured calf, the defense struggled. What had been one of the strongest parts of the Jaguars team this season turned into a much less productive unit. Lloyd was one of Jacksonville's biggest stars on defense, and without him, the Jaguars defense didn't have one single takeaway.

Now, Lloyd is primed to return for Week 10, and the timing couldn't be better. The Jaguars will be taking on the Houston Texans, one of their division rivals, in a battle to further cement their place as a contender for the AFC South championship. And with Texans' QB C.J. Stroud officially out due to a concussion, the odds are looking good for Jacksonville.

Devin Lloyd's return can help the Jacksonville Jaguars dominate the Houston Texans

Jaguars fans will rejoice to hear that Lloyd said he is set to return for the Jacksonville-Houston matchup on Sunday, and the timing couldn't be better. While head coach Liam Coen remains non-committal, Lloyd was a full participant in practice and said he is ready.

"I'm good to go. I'm ready to roll," Lloyd said. "I think training staff did a great job with just making sure that we're taking all the right steps. I feel good."

A mind-blowing stat shows just how important Lloyd is to the Jaguars defense and the impact he can make Sunday; according to Pro Football Focus, he is literally one of the best linebackers in the league right now:

"Lloyd has capitalized on his contract season by playing like one of the better linebackers in pro football. His 91.5 overall PFF grade is the second-best among linebackers with 240 or more snaps, with his 91.6 PFF coverage grade No. 1 in that bunch."

It's no surprise that defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is chomping at the bit to have Lloyd suited up to take on the Texans, noting that Lloyd "presents some problems" for the offense. While true, that's a massive understatement; the Houston offense will have to contend with one of the best linebackers in the league coming after them, all without their starting quarterback.

Lloyd's return couldn't come at a better time for the Jaguars, too. The team is celebrating a narrow defeat over the Las Vegas Raiders, and while that game was hardly one to be too thrilled by, it also kept the Jaguars in playoff contention.

The Jaguars will need the defense to be back on its A-game now more than ever heading into the latter half of the season, especially considering there are some tough opponents they'll be taking on. This includes the Los Angeles Chargers, the Denver Broncos, and the Indianapolis Colts... twice.

Currently, the Colts are on top of the AFC South, but they lost their last game. Another win for the Jags, and especially one over another divisional rival, would be a huge boost for a team that was going through a bit of a slump before the bye. Devin Lloyd's return is incredibly important for the Jaguars to build more momentum after their most recent win.