The Jacksonville Jaguars checked off a massive box when they clinched a playoff spot. However, they dropped an unfortunate injury update that left a sour note on the feat just days ahead of their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that Jourdan Lewis is undergoing season-ending foot surgery. They placed him on Injured Reserve, and in a corresponding move, they've added cornerback Keith Taylor to the active roster.
This is devastating news when you take into account that Lewis has been a mainstay of the defense since they signed him to a three-year deal worth $30 million in free agency. The silver lining is that the team has the depth to withstand the veteran's absence.
Losing Jourdan Lewis is a big blow to the Jaguars defense
Signing Jourdan Lewis was one of the few splash signings the Jaguars made on defense (the other was safety Eric Murray).
A third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, Lewis mostly played nickel throughout his career. However, he's spent time inside and outside with the Jags. He previously missed three games with a neck injury this season, and finished the year with 10 passes defensed, 39 total tackles, and two interceptions.
For his part, Keith Taylor was a fourth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2021. Before landing with the Jags, he spent time with the Panthers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Atlanta Falcons, registering 75 total tackles, six passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
Taylor probably won't get much playing time in Jacksonville, but his presence adds much-needed depth at corner, especially when you take into account that two-way star Travis Hunter is out for the year.
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The Jaguars will expect Jarrian Jones to fill in for Jourdan Lewis
Ideally, the Jaguars would love to have Jourdan Lewis for their playoff run, but without him in the mix, they'll turn to sophomore Jarrian Jones, who'll be a natural replacement in the slot.
A third-round pick in last year's draft, Jones has been equally productive as Lewis, if not more. This season, he's logged two picks, six pass deflections, and 45 yards.
While Jarrian Jones has played a significant number of snaps in the boundaries in the second half of the season, he's better suited to line up at nickel. After Lewis' injury, his playing time will increase.
In the past four games, Jones averaged 44 defensive snaps. That number could go up to 60 in the upcoming weeks. It's also worth noting that fellow Greg Newsome will get more playing time outside with Jones manning the slot full-time.
With Christian Brasswell also in the mix, the Jaguars are set at cornerback during Lewis' absence. However, they may not be able to withstand any further injuries.
The bottom line is that it's never pleasant to see players sustain injuries, but that's part of the game. The Jaguars know it, and there's not much else they can do aside from buckling up for the Colts game.