The Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to face the Green Bay Packers in what amounts to be a must-win win game. Granted, every contest matters but the Jags are trying to right the ship after their rough start to the 2024 season.
Following four consecutive losses, the Jags have gone 2-1 the past three weeks. A win against Green Bay would help them spurn momentum and potentially start a playoff run. The Jags are a 4.5-point underdog ahead of the game, so they have their work cut out if they want to come out on top. Having said that, they have a few things going in their favor apart from having a slight edge by virtue of being the home team.
For starters, the weather forecast projects a day without rain. That will allow the Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence to connect with rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr. early and often. On top of that, Jacksonville will have a couple of key contributors back in the fold.
Left tackle Cam Robinson suffered a concussion in Week 7 and left the game. He entered protocol and cleared it ahead of Week 8. He originally got the questionable designation for the game. However, the former Alabama product is no longer on the injury report and is good to go. On defense, the Jags are getting linebacker Foyesade Oluokun.
After spending the last four weeks on Injured Reserve, Oluokun was activated ahead of the Packers game. With him back in the lineup, it will be interesting to see whether Ventrell Miller — his replacement — or Devin Lloyd will line up next to him.
Aside from activating Oluokun for Week 8, the Jags have promoted running back Jake Funk and defensive end Joe Graziano via standard elevation.
By activating Funk, the Jaguars have insurance in case running back Travis Etienne isn't good to go. The former Clemson Tiger is dealing with a hamstring injury and will be a game-time decision. Head coach Doug Pederson said as much when he met with the local media Friday. Having said that, there's a chance Etienne could play. If there wasn't, the team would have ruled him out like they did with safety Andrew Wingard.
After all the moves the Jaguars made Saturday, here's how the injury report looks heading into Week 8:
• Esezi Otowemo, defensive tackle (calf) - questionable
• Maason Smith, defensive tackle (ankle) - questionable
• Travis Etienne, running back (hamstring) - questionable
• Foyesade Oluokun, linebacker (foot) - questionable
• Andrew Wingard, safety (knee) - out
And below is the inactives for Week 8.
Jaguars inactives for Week 8:
Here are the Jaguars inactives for Week 8:
• Travis Etienne, RB
• Myles Cole, DE
• Javon Foster, OL
• Cole Van Lanen, OL
• Esezi Otomewo; DT
• Maason Smith, DT
Packers inactives for Week 8:
Here are the Packers inactives for Week 8:
• Quay Walker, LB
• Corey Ballentine, CB
• Kitan Oladapo, S
• Brenton Cox Jr., DL
• Andre Dillard, OT
• Travis Glover, OT