The Jacksonville Jaguars will need to beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14 if they want to stay on top of the AFC South. They could still win the division with a loss but would then be in catch-up mode the rest of the season.
Couple that with the fact that the Houston Texans are lurking around, and the Jags had better take care of business when they welcome Indianapolis at EverBank Stadium. Working in their favor is that they'll get an enforcer back in the defensive backfield.
The Jaguars are getting Eric Murray on time for the Colts game
Just before the game, the team announced that safety Eric Murray has been activated from Injured Reserve, so he'll suit up against Indy. His 21-day window to return was opened, and he returned to practice last week. However, it's possible that the coaching staff wanted to bring him along slowly.
Murray was placed on IR in Week 9, and sat out the past three games. Given that fellow safety Andrew Wingard (concussion) was ruled out for the game, he'll start next to Antonio Johnson in Week 14.
Aside from Wingard, Jacksonville ruled out left tackle Walker Little (concussion) and offensive lineman Chuma Edoga (calf). On the other hand, defensive end Travon Walker, defensive tackle Arik Armstead (hand), and wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) got the questionable designation for the game.
Circling back to Murray, to make room for him, the Jaguars freed up a roster spot when they released running back Cody Schreder. Also, they announced that they promoted wide receiver Austin Trammell and defensive back Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig for the game from the practice squad via standard elevation.
On the Colts sideline, defensive end Tyquan Lewis (ankle) won't play. Similarly, cornerback Sauce Gardner has ruled out with a leg injury, and defensive end DeForest Buckner remains on Injured Reserve so he will not be available.
Will Parker Washington and Travon Walker suit up for the Jaguars?
The fact that the Jaguars promoted Austin Trammell to the active roster might be a sign that Parker Washington may not be available. If that's the case, the Jaguars will lean on a combination of Trammell, Tim Patrick, and Dyami Brown to replace him.
On the other hand, it will be interesting to see if Travon Walker suits up. He just returned to practice this week, so the coaching staff may not want him rush him back and expose him to further injury if he isn't 100 percent. This means there's a chance he'll return until next week.
Jaguars inactives for the Colts game in Week 14
Here are the Jaguars inactives for today:
• Walker Little, offensive tackle
• Chuma Edoga, offensive lineman
• Andrew Wingard, safety
• Parker Washington, wide receiver
• Yasir Abdullah, linebacker
• Johnny Mundty, tight end
• Austin Johnson, defensive tackle