One of the biggest storylines in the 26-21 win over the San Francisco 49ers, aside from the accusations of legally stealing signals, was that the Jacksonville Jaguars lost fourth-year pass rusher Travon Walker to a wrist injury. A few days later, head coach Liam Coen has shared a positive update.
According to Mia O'Brien of ESPN Radio, Coen said that Walker underwent wrist surgery and is day-to-day, adding that the fourth-year pass rusher will do anything he can to suit up for the Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs.
This is great news when you take into account that Jeremy Fowler had reported that Walker was going to see a specialist and was classified week-to-week after consultation.
If the former Georgia Bulldog does suit up in Week 5, he may wear a club and be on a snap count. If he sits out the game, expect the Jags to use a combination of Dawuane Smoot, Emmanuel Ogbah, and rookies B.J. Green and Danny Striggow to replace him.
And that's the thing, maybe the injury isn't nearly as bad as the team expected, but that doesn't mean they should rush him back on the field.
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The Jaguars will want to have Travon Walker vs. the Chiefs in Week 5
Having Travon Walker against the Chiefs would increase the Jags' odds of coming out on top. Currently, they're a 3.5-point underdog, so they could use all the help they can get. Having said that, they have the players in place to step up during his potential absence. Liam Coen said as much when he met with reporters.
"Huge, especially Smoot has been really getting better and better every week. Plays his tail off, Coen responded when asked if Walker's potential absence gives other players an opportunity to show out (0:12 mark). "Ogbah gives us some flex to be able to play outside and be able to reduce a little bit inside. BJ Green got some snaps last week."
Cone continued, "And then, Dennis Gardeck continuing to, I think, get more and more comfortable out there. So, you know, feel confident, though, if that has to happen."
Of course, there would be a steep dropoff from Walker to Dawaune Smooth and Emmanuel Ogbah, but the Jags have the depth to soften the blow in case he isn't good to go.
Now, it's not a given that Travon Walker will miss any time, especially when you consider how much of a competitor he is. However, expect the Jaguars to err on the side of caution and play this one safe.