Latest Jaguars injury report includes an encouraging Josh Hines-Allen update

The Jacksonville Jaguars will deal with their toughest test in the second half of the season when they play the Denver Broncos in Week 16. A win will increase their odds to seize the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, while a loss could potentially hinder them on their quest for the AFC South title.

The Jags are currently a 3.0-point underdog but have a realistic chance to leave Mile High with a win. For that to happen, though, they'll need to have all hands on deck for the game, and based on the latest injury report, they may be as close as they could be.

Josh Hines-Allen is back in practice for the Jaguars

One of the biggest surprises on the initial injury report for the Broncos game was the inclusion of Josh Hines-Allen. The two-time Pro Bowl nod was listed with a shoulder injury and illness. However, he returned to practice Thursday, albeit on a limited basis.

Hines-Allen's status isn't necessarily surprising when you take into account that Michael DiRocco reported that he was spotted in Thursday's practice. Aside from the 2019 first-round pick, edge rusher Jalen McLeod (knee), and left guard Ezra Cleveland (shoulder) got the limited designation.

Cleveland popped up on last week's report but still suited up for the New York Jets game. He should be a full go against Denver. On the other hand, McLeod just had his 21-day window to practice opened and hasn't officially been activated. It's possible that the coaching staff wanted to bring him along slowly, and he won't be available until Week 17.

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (hand) and left tackle Walker Little also made an appearance on the report, but both were full participants. On the other hand, rookies Danny Striggow and Bhayshul Tuten didn't practice.

For the second day in a row, Striggow missed practice with a knee injury. At this point, his availability for Sunday doesn't look particularly great. On the other hand, Tuten underwent surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. Having said that, the first-year running back should return for the playoffs if Jacksonville qualifies, which seems like a lock.

Related: Trevor Lawrence went all facts no filters about Jags rookie LeQuint Allen

The Jaguars should be fine without Danny Striggow and Bhayshul Tuten

Bhayshul Tuten has become a key cog in the Jacksonville backfield, but the trio of Travis Etienne, LeQuint Allen, and the recently added DeeJay Dallas should have no trouble picking up the slack. After all, Etienne is the No. 1 on the depth chart, while Allen had more playing time than Tuten and had arguably a bigger role.

On defense, Danny Striggow has flashed potential, but the Jaguars will lean on veteran Emmanuel Ogbah and undrafted rookie B.J. Green II to replace him. The fact that Josh Hines-Allen is trending toward helping should also help.

Beating the Broncos won't be a walk in the park. Fortunately, the Jaguars will be nearly at full strength, so they'll have a fair shot.