The Jacksonville Jaguars dealt with a myriad of injuries in the blowout win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8 and could be shorthanded when they play the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football, just four days later. However, they also got a break.
Not long after the loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, the Ravens announced that they're placing Lamar Jackson on the Injured Reserve list after leaving the game with a thumb injury. Given that he'll miss at least four games, he won't suit up against Jacksonville on Thursday Night.
Compounding the issue is that Baltimore's backup signal-caller, Tyler Huntley, also left the game with a limp. The Ravens were down to emergency backup Joe Fagnano, and there's a realistic chance he'll start against the Jaguars.
The Jaguars are dealing with injuries but not facing Lamar Jackson is a massive break
Maybe the Ravens could trade for quarterback help before Thursday Night, but because it would be on short notice, it's hard to tell just how much whoever they get could truly help. Heck, at this point, Baltimore's best bet may be to prepare Joe Fagnano, an undrafted free agent in 2026, and lean on running back Derrick Henry.
Granted, Henry hasn't been nearly as dominant as he's been in past years, but he could be his team's best bet to win. Either way, the Jacksonville defense could have a favorable matchup in spite of injuries.
For context, Antonio Johnson is dealing with an ankle injury and didn't suit up against Indy. Fellow safety Eric Murray left the game with an elbow injury, and defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton had to be carted off the field after suffering a knee injury.
Even if Johnson is back in the mix, losing Murray and Hamilton is a big blow. Perhaps Murray could play through injuries, but it's hard to picture Ham suiting up based on how serious the injury looked.
In the end, though, the show must go on, and the Jaguars will need to find a way to navigate the adversity.
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The Jaguars will need players like Jalen Huskey and other to step up
When a player goes down, the next one in line needs to come through. That will be the case for Rayuan Lane, Kaevon Merriweather, and Jalen Huskey if either Eric Murray and/or Antonio Johnson doesn't suit up against Baltimore. The same is true for Albert Regis, Matt Dickerson, and Ruke Orhorhoro. All three will need to step up for as long as Davon Hamilton is out.
The silver lining is that Jacksonville managed to hold the fort during Murray's and Hamilton's absence. In fact, Rayuan Lane had a pick-6, the first one of his career. Moreover, the Jags won't have to deal with Lamar Jackson in Week 9. That will kind of soften the blow.
Then again, it will up to them to take advantage of the opportunity and get their sixth win of the season.
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