The Jacksonville Jaguars could soon be getting safety Eric Murray back in the fold. His 21-day window to return from Injured Reserve was opened not that long ago, but they haven't activated him yet. That could change soon.
Murray landed on IR in Week 9 and had to miss four games before he could return. When the Jags activated his window, it showed that he's close to coming back, and their latest roster move is proof of it.
The Jaguars released Austin Trammell, left one roster spot open
One day after the 25-3 win over the Titans, Jacksonville announced that it had released wide receiver Austin Trammell. However, there was no corresponding move, so there's one roster spot available, which could be given to Eric Murray.
Although Murray returned to practice in the days ahead of the Titans game, he still remained on IR and was ultimately ruled out. That said, the Jags wouldn't have activated his window if he weren't getting healthier.
Circling back to Tremmell, he began the season in the practice squad before he was signed to the active roster when injuries started to pile up at receiver. As of this writing, the Jags have no spots open in the practice squad, but it wouldn't be shocking to see them cut ties with someone to make room for Trammell.
An undrafted free agent in 2021, Trammell spent his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. He then played two seasons for the Los Angeles Rams before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. During his stint in Duval, the former Rice Owl has appeared in six games and hauled in five receptions for 86 yards.
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Eric Murray gives the Jaguars options and depth at safety
The Jaguars will need to decide what to do at safety once Eric Murray is back on the roster. Andrew Wingard and Antonio Johnson are currently the starters, but one of them will probably get demoted.
Wingard won the starting job in training camp, but Antonio Johnson has shown notable progress the past few weeks. Now, it's possible that Jacksonville will rotate the safeties, but one of them will mostly see a dip in playing time. Given that Johnson stepped into Murray's spot, there's a strong chance he'll hit the bench.
Either way, the Jags will now have depth at safety, especially when you take into account that they also signed veteran Juan Thornhill to the active roster.
Ultimately, Eric Murray is returning to the Jaguars at the best possible time. They're currently 8-4, and if they want to make a push for the AFC South title, they're going to need all the help they can get.