Jaguars' injury fallout could create a major depth problem after Colts win

The Jacksonville Jaguars were already dealing with injuries before they played the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. And the injury bug kept testing their depth in the 42-7 win over their divisional foes.

The team ruled out Antonio Johnson for Week 8, but there's a chance he could play against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football, just four days after the win over Indianapolis. But even if Johnson suits up, Jacksonville may also be without Eric Murray, who left the Colts contest after hurting his elbow on the opening kickoff.

Aside from Murray, the Jags also lost defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton to what appeared to be a serious injury. If that wasn't enough, left guard Ezra Cleveland and defensive end Travon Walker also left the game with injuries. When you add it all up, Jacksonville could be severely shorthanded against the Ravens.

The Jaguars have some options after losing DaVon Hamilton and Eric Murray

The silver lining of losing Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson is that Rayuan Lane and Kaevon Merriweather stepped up in their absence. Lane had a pick-six in his first career start, while Merriweather came through just days after head coach Liam Coen said that he needed him to step up.

With rookie Jalen Huskey also in the mix, Jacksonville's depth at safety is in good shape, at least in the short term. However, the same can't be said about defensive end and the interior defensive line.

Walker is currently the team's best pass rusher (sorry, Josh Hines-Allen), and the Jags aren't getting much production from sophomore Danny Striggow and rookie Bryan Thomas Jr. That said, B.J. Green II could be close to returning after landing on the Injured Reserve list earlier this year. Maybe he could give the pass rush a boost.

On the other hand, Jacksonville could be in trouble if Davon Hamilton misses substantial time, which is likely. He was a pivotal piece of the top-ranked defense against the run in the NFL. Matt Dickerson and Ruke Orhorhoro are fine rotational pieces, but neither will be able to fill the void Hamilton's potential absence could create.

Either way, the Jaguars will need to make the necessary adjustments when they play Baltimore in Week 9. Working in their favor is that Lamar Jackson landed on IR after suffering what could be a season-ending injury to his hand. On top of that, Baltimore's primary backup behind center, Tyler Huntley, also left the game with a toe injury, leaving third-stringer Joe Fagnano as the likely starter for Sunday Night.

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Injuries may force the Jaguars to make trades at the deadline

The Jaguars have a bit of time to make a few deals as the November 10 trade deadline inches closer. Even better, they'll have a few options. It doesn't look like it, but Jacksonville could target Budda Baker if it needs help at safety. Erick Murray and Antonio Johnson should return sooner rather than later, but Baker would give defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile a movable chess piece to work with in the backfield.

On the other hand, the Jags could target Jalen Carter or Moro Ojomo. The Philadelphia Eagles don't appear to be interested in moving Ojomo, who's in a contract year, but maybe Jacksonville can make them an offer they can't refuse for him or Carter, as Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union suggests. If Davon Hamilton ends up missing substantial time, the Jags should spare no expense to bolster their defensive line.

And if Jacksonville wants to trade for a pass rusher, Alex Highsmith, Josh Sweat, and Khalil Mack may be realistic options.

Ideally, the Jaguars wouldn't have to make deals to address needs at the trade deadline, but doing so could ensure they'll be able to navigate the injuries they're currently dealing with.

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