The Jacksonville Jaguars began training camp without offensive linemen Patrick Makeri and Cole Van Lanen. The silver lining is that they had more than enough depth to overcome their absence. That may no longer be the case after a sudden rash of injuries.
During the scrimmage on Day 8 of camp, the Jags lost Walker Little, Emmanuel Pregnon. and Chuma Edoga. When you factor in that rookie Garrett DiGiorgio is on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Jacksonville is quickly running out of healthy offensive linemen.
The Jaguars are without Walker Little, Patrick Mekari, and Cole Van Lanen
After Day 8, Liam Coen said he had no updates on any of the linemen they lost during the mock game. We'll probably get one in the following practice. For the time being, the team's brass hasn't brought in reinforcements. That could be a good sign that the injuries aren't serious. Nevertheless, it's a situation worth monitoring.
Just one day before the scrimmage, Jacksonville signed Sam Mustipher, who has ample starting experience. Although he's mostly played center throughout his career, he was lining up at guard one day prior to the mock game. Following the rash of injuries, the coaching staff may need to lean on him more than expected.
On the bright side, Wyatt Milum, Anton Harrison, Ezra Cleveland, and Robert Hainsay appeared to be unscathed. All four will tentatively start next season. Moreover, the Jags were already missing Cole Van Lanen and Patrick Mekari, and their status hasn't changed. On the other hand, there's no timeline for their return, and if either isn't back at full strength for the opener against the Cleveland Browns, the depth up front will be thin.
The Jaguars cannot afford to suffer more O-Line injuries at training camp
Dating back to last year, the Jaguars like their linemen to learn multiple spots. This helps them be ready in case the injury bug strikes. With that said, Walker Little's injury could have a negative impact. From an outside perspective, though, it's hard to tell just how serious it is, but if the former Stafford Cardinal misses extended playing time, it could leave a void on the right side.
Without Cole Van Lanen and Patrick Mekari, the Jags are missing two starters on the right side of the offensive line. Wyatt Milum could step in one place. Ideally, Little would fill in the other, but he got hurt. To make matters worse, Chuma Edoga would be the next man up, but he also left the scrimmage with injuries. This may leave Jacksonville with no choice but to plug Milum at tackle and Sam Mustipher at guard.
We'll soon find out just how serious the injuries are. Perhaps the Jaguars could get one or more of their linemen back before the preseason opener. Maybe their injuries aren't serious, but there's a chance they are. Either way, the team's depth up front is quickly being tested, which isn't ideal at this stage of training camp.
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