Jaguars injuries: Devin Lloyd back at practice, Walker Little, Zay Jones day-to-day
• Doug Pederson provided injury updates Wednesday
![Jun 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) Jun 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3808,h_2142,x_0,y_93/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01hcfmv3yexn86cpvpry.jpg)
Linebacker Devin Lloyd didn't make the trip to London and missed the last two games. However, he's close to returning and could be available for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Head coach Doug Pederson talked about his status and provided other injury updates when he met with the local media Wednesday.
"Walker and Zay, both of their images and everything are good, we're clear," Pederson said in regards to Walker Little and Zay Jones. "But both are gonna miss today, are going to be day-to-day as we go. Cam [Robinson] is fine, with left elbow, just had a little hyperextension during the game but went back in the football game Sunday, but he's gonna be good."
"We get Devin Lloyd back out there today. You'll see a protected pad and bandages and stuff on his hand but he'll be fine. He'll be back out there. We're getting close with DeVon Hamilton, getting him into some practice. Obviously, we haven't opened up his window yet but he's getting closer each week," Pederson said.
Pederson then said that there's a chance defensive end Dawuane Smoot, who was activated last week, can suit up against the Colts in Week 6.
Both Little and Jones exited Week 5 and didn't return. It was previously reported that Little had an MCL injury and could miss several weeks. But based on Pederson's comments, his absence may not be prolonged. On the other hand, it's hard to tell whether Jones will play Sunday. He had previously missed two games with the same injury and the coaching staff might not want to expose him further.
Lloyd, for his part, started the first three games of the season but didn't make the trip to London. Fellow sophomore Chad Muma has filled in for him but hasn't been particularly great, so the Jaguars will most likely go back to Lloyd as soon as he's ready. Here's Pedereson's whole exchange with the media.
HC Doug Pederson meets with the media. Presented by @CarShield https://t.co/ujjei7BuUa
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 11, 2023
Devin Lloyd would give the Jaguars defense a boost vs. the Colts
Chad Muma has missed a handful of tackles and isn't nearly as good in pass coverage. Thus, having Devin Lloyd back against Indianapolis would be a welcome addition to a Jaguars defense that already thrives against the run (fifth in yards allowed, 10th in scores surrendered). Similarly, Dawuane Smoot would bolster the pass rush. The coaching staff could either have him play defensive end or line up in a two-point stance. The latter scenario would allow 2022 first-round pick Travon Walker to move inside, where he's at his best.
If Little isn't good to go, which is highly likely, Jacksonville will go back to Tyler Shatley. Doug Pederson said as much in his exchange with the media, "Shatley's the one that has played recently. Tends to be a little more in his favor right now. Tyler in there and Cam at left tackle."
If Zay Jones isn't good to go, both Jamal Agnew and Tim Jones will get an increased in playing time against the Colts. While having Jones in Week 6 would be ideal, the Jaguars have enough firepower on offense to make up for his potential absence.
The running game was clicking in Week 5 and both wide receiver Calvin Ridley and tight end Evan Engram are playing well. Add a stout defense, and Jacksonville will have a solid chance of sweeping the Colts, even if they're missing a few key players Sunday.
Evan Engram rank among TEs #NFL
— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) October 10, 2023
TGT: 35 (3rd)
REC: 29 (2nd)
Yards: 260 (2nd)
YAC: 175 (1st)
pic.twitter.com/QqGZ1ozApY
Week 6 will be pivotal for the Jaguars. A win over Indianapolis will guarantee the top spot in the AFC South, while a loss means they'll be playing catch up with the Colts.
dark. Next. Revisited game-by-game predictions for the rest of the 2023 season. Revisited game-by-game predictions for the rest of the 2023 season