Jaguars lose Josh Hines-Allen after suffering concussion vs. Texans in Week 4

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a slight lead entering the fourth quarter of their Week 4 game against the Houston Texans. Coming out on top looks like a realistic possibility but they'll have to beat their divisional rivals without one of their best defensive players.

Josh Hines-Allen suffered a concussion during the bout. AJ Ross reported during the fourth quarter that the star pass rusher is questionable to return. Not long after, team reporter Kainani Stevens also shared the news.

Given the tricky nature of concussions, there's a strong chance Hines-Allen won't come back. As of this writing, the Jags are up 20-17. They got close to the Texans' end zone but couldn't get the ball in. They turned over the ball on downs when they attempted a quarterback draw on fourth-and-1 but the play was unsuccessful.

Down by three points, Houston got the ball and proceeded to march down the field. Fortunately, the Jaguars' defense held its own and forced them to punt. In fact, the group has played well overall. True, four Houston receivers, and tight end Dalton Schultz, each have had a reception of at least 23 yards or more. On the other hand, Jacksonville is giving up yards in chunks but hasn't allowed their divisional rival to reach the end zone in the second half.

This is noteworthy because the Jaguars are without their two starting linebackers. Foyesade Oluokun suffered a foot injury in Week 3 and was placed on the Injured Reserve list before the game. Sophomore Ventrell Miller is filling in for him. The former Florida Gator is making his first-ever NFL start.

Chad Muma got the starting nod at linebacker next to Miller. Incumbent Devin Lloyd suffered a knee injury during practice and didn't suit up for the game. Compounding the issue is that defensive back Darnell Savage was also inactive in Week 4.

Even though head coach Doug Pederson expressed optimism about Savage's chances of suiting up against Houston, he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report and was downgraded to out Saturday. The former first-round pick suffered a quad injury in the season opener and has yet to return.

The Jaguars defense is taking advantage of Joe Mixon's and Tank Dell's absence

While the Jacksonville Jaguars are without several key contributors on both sides of the ball, the Houston Texans are also without running backs Joe Mixon, and Dameon Pierce, and sophomore receiver Tank Dell.

C.J. Stroud has played well even without Dell, Mixon, and Pierce but he might've been even better if all three were in the fold. That said, injuries are an inherent part of the game and the Jags won't shed a tear for them. Instead, they're taking advantage of the matchup.

Heck, Jacksonville is without several key players on defense, including Josh Hines-Allen, so they deserve praise for managing to stymie Stroud and the Houston offense. Trevor Lawrence has also had to do without tight end Evan Engram, so there's that.

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