Jaguars injuries: Walker Little is the starting left guard, could play vs. 49ers

Third-year offensive lineman Walker Little started four games at left tackle but moved inside once Cam Robinson returned from a suspension to begin the regular season. Unfortunately, Little suffered an MCL injury in his first game at the left guard slot. Head coach Doug Pederson says the former Stanford Cardinal is doing well and he'll be the starting left guard despite the fact that the team just traded for Ezra Cleveland at the deadline.

Pederson told the local media Monday that Little will return to left guard if he's cleared to play. He also said that cornerback Tyson Campbell and safety Andre Cisco are doing well, so there's a chance both could suit up against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. They're both are dealing with a hamstring injury and have missed the last two contests.

When the Jags traded for Cleveland, there were questions about the role he would have in Jacksonville. A second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Cleveland has appeared in 53 games with 49 starts thoughout his NFL career. Although he's been dealing with a foot sprain, there was a chance he could start at left guard in Week 10 due to his familiarity with offensive line coach Phil Rauscher, his position coach in Minnesota.

However, Pederson was clear Little is the starting left guard. On the other hand, the head coach had praise for the recently acquired Cleveland, noting that his verstatility to play both guard positions make him a valuable depth piece.

On a different note, Pederson says wide receiver Zay Jones, who has a knee injury, remains day-to-day. Jones last played in Week 5 and has only suited up for three games this season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are getting reinforcements vs. the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers will get wide receiver Deebo Samuel back for Week 10. Samuel has been dealing with a shoulder injury but says he's ready to go. On top of that, they traded for defensive end Chase Young at the deadline, giving Nick Bosa a bookend pass rusher who can help him terrorize opposing quarterbacks.

Just like the Jaguars, San Francisco had their BYE in Week 9. Bosa stayed back to help Young get up to speed, so there's a good chance he'll make his debut in Niners uniform Sunday. Working in Jacksonville's favor is that Walker Little, along with Tyson Campbell and Cisco, could potentially be back for the bout.

Although Little won't often face Bosa or Young, since he'll line up inside, his return would fortify the left side of the offensive line. During his absence, Tyler Shatley has started at left guard. While Shatley has proven to be valuable off the benche, there's a dropoff from Little to him.

On defense, Campbell and Cisco should give an already talented secondary a boost. Andrew Wingard and sophomore Montaric Brown have filled in nicely for them but having Campbell and Cisco should help the Jaguars slow down a 49ers offense filled with difference-makers such as All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aijuk, and Deebo Samuel.

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the best teams in the NFL right now. By beating them, the Jacksonville would show that they also belong in the conversation. Having Walker Little back in the lineup would most definitely help.

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