Injuries are bound to happen when teams turn it up a notch in training camp. That said, the Jacksonville Jaguars probably didn't expect to be without many of their offensive linemen ahead of the preseason. Not surprisingly, the team's brass has added reinforcements to the trenches.
The Jags announced on social media that they've placed undrafted rookie Garrett DiGiorio on the Reserve/Injury list and have signed Geron Christian in a corresponding move to fill his roster spot.
DiGiorgio was already on the Physically Unable to Perform list and was a long shot to make the team, so placing him on the reserve list isn't a massive blow. Having said that, bringing in Christian may be a sign that offensive lineman Walker Little could miss time.
Adding Geron Christian could be a sign the Jaguars will be without Walker Little
With Anton Harrison getting reps at left tackle, Walker Little has been lining up at right guard and right tackle. He was seemingly thriving inside but left the scrimmage on Day 8 of training camp with an injury. Chuma Edoga and Emmanuel Pregnon also exited the game. Liam Coen didn't have an update in the aftermath.
Edoga and Pregnon returned for the walkthrough on Day 9, but Little was still missing. It's hard to tell how serious his injury was. Heck, there's a chance he may just need a couple days to rest. On the other hand, the fact that the team signed Geron Christian doesn't bode well.
A third-round pick in the 2018 draft, Christian has ample experience, having played in 63 games with 25 starts in his seven-year career. That said, the former Louisville Cardinal last started a game for the Cleveland Browns. Clearly, he's a depth piece at this stage of his career, so he won't get many first-team reps. On the other hand, he'll give Jacksonville insurance while Little recovers.
The Jaguars need Walker Little back in the fold
During Walker Little's absence, sophomore Jonah Monheim has gotten reps at right guard, and Wyatt Milum is lining up at right tackle. While both of them are getting the opportunity to cross-train, that probably isn't the combination the Jaguars will want for the season opener. Ideally, Little will be back by then.
It's worth noting that Little's health is taking center stage because the Jags are already without Cole Van Lanen and Patrick Mekari. The former is expected to return at some point of training camp, while the latter has been dealing with an injury that's forced him to miss the offseason program. If either one (or both) are as close to 100 percent before the regular season, the Jacksonville offensive line will be in much better shape.
Conversely, the Jags could be in trouble if they're without Van Lanen, Mekari, and Little for the opener against the Cleveland Browns. The good news is that the regular season is still one month away, so they'll still have a bit of time to get back to full strength.
Nevertheless, Walker Little's injury will be most definitely worth monitoring in the upcoming weeks.
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