The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to get their fourth win of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. They'll probably hae to do it without offensive tackle Walker Little, who's dealing with an ankle injury and has left the game.
Early in the first quarter, Little got hurt. Not long after, the broadcast mentioned that the former Stanford Cardinal was in the locker room. Similarly, the team announced on Twitter that he's questionable to return.
#JAXvsLV Injury Update, presented by @BaptistHealthJx: OL Walker Little is questionable to return with an ankle injury.
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 22, 2024
The Jaguars didn't have any player listed in the final injury report for the game. That said, Little was limited in practice throughout the week with the ankle injury. It's possible that he was trying to play through it but was unable to. Blake Hance has stepped into his place.
Working in the Jaguars' favor is that the Raiders' pass rush isn't particularly impressive. K'Lavon Chaisson is arguably their best edge defender with Maxx Crosby on Injury Reserve with an ankle injury.
Not long after Little left the game, the Jags put together a six-play, 29-yard drive that running back Tank Bigsby capped with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Jaguars ahead 7-0. As of this writing, quarterback Mac Jones is 4-of-10 for 39 yards and Brian Thomas Jr. leads the team with 16 receiving yards on one reception.
Walker Little has been a stud for the Jaguars in 2024
Walker Little had been waiting for his chance to become the starting left tackle full-time since the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him 45th overall in 2021. He finally got it when they traded Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season.
Since stepping up at left tackle, Little has given up just two sacks and six total pressures. Not surprisingly, the Jags rewarded him with a three-year contract extension worth $45 million.
Of course, the Jaguars would love to have Walker Little in the fold, but it looks like they'll be able to hold their own against the Raiders without him.