Colts ruling out key cog on offense tips the scale in Jaguars' favor in Week 5
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking for their first win of the season when they welcome the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium in Week 5. They're currently a 2.5-point favorite and have several things going in their favor. On top of that, the Jags just got a massive break.
Head coach Shane Steichen told the media Friday that running back Jonathan Taylor won't suit up for the divisional matchup. The 2021 All-Pro nod has been dealing with an ankle injury and has missed practice this week while he recovers. That's why the news doesn't come as a surprise.
Injuries have forced Taylor to sit out a combined 13 games the past two years. This will be the first time he'll miss time in 2024. In four games, he's toted the rock 72 times for 349 yards with four touchdowns.
Besides Taylor, the Colts could be without quarterback Anthony Richards. The sophomore has been limited in practice with an oblique injury, and backup Joe Flacco has gotten the lion's share of the reps ahead of the game.
Looks like #Colts QB Joe Flacco is taking most, if not all, of the first-team reps today. Anthony Richardson is standing behind Flacco right now and just watching him throw during a red zone/end zone drill.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 4, 2024
Center Ryan Kelly, cornerback Kenny Moore II, and defensive end Kwity Paye have also missed practice, so there's a chance the Colts will be without them in Week 5.
Thursday's practice report for #INDvsJAX: pic.twitter.com/YSwpPJKpyy
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 3, 2024
The Jaguars cannot take the Colts lightly even without Jonathan Taylor
Not having to face Jonathan Taylor will take some pressure off the Jacksonville Jaguars. Having said that, they cannot uncork the champagne just yet. After all, they're 0-4 and haven't done enough to make you think that coast to an easy win.
For starters, the Jags have struggled with self-inflicted wounds this season. They had a chance to beat the Miami Dolphins, the Cleveland Browns, and the Houston Texans but couldn't get the job done for a variety of reasons. Moreover, they're dealing with their own share of injuries.
Tight end Evan Engram, linebacker Devin Lloyd, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, and defensive back Darnell Savage popped up on the Week 5 injury report. While head coach Doug Pederson expressed optimism about Hines-Allen, Lloyd, and Savage potentially suiting up, there's no guarantee they will.
#Jaguars Injury Updates: Doug Pederson expects Darnell Savage (quad) & Devin Lloyd (knee) to play vs. Colts. Evan Engram (hamstring) will be evaluated closer to game time. Josh Hines-Allen remains in concussion protocol, but is progressing.
— Kainani Stevens (@KainaniStevens) October 4, 2024
On the other hand, several players have stepped up for the Jaguars in recent weeks amid injuries, so they won't be short on talent when they face the Colts. Running back Tank Bigsby has seemingly figured things out after an underwhelming rookie season. Against the Houston Texans in Week 4, he broke off a 58-yard run. Similarly, cornerback Montaric Brown has proven to be a capable replacement for Tyson Campbell, and linebacker Ventrell Miller showed out in his first NFL start ever.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars are dealing with several injuries but they have enough talent to overcome them. Add the fact that they won't have to face Jonathan Taylor, and they should be feeling good about their chances ahead of Week 5.
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