Wide receiver Zay Jones returned to action in Week 5 after missing two games with a knee injury. Unfortunately, he got hurt again and had to leave the bout. The good news is that he's day-to-day and the Jacksonville Jaguars could have him back in time for the Week 6 division matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jones hurt the same knee that had previously held him back. But he's day-to-day after getting a test Monday, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.
#Jaguars WR Zay Jones is considered day-to-day after tests on the knee he injured Sunday in London, per sources. Good news for Jacksonville, which has won two in a row and has a division game looming against Indianapolis on Sunday.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2023
Head coach Doug Pederson met with the media Monday and gave injury updates on left tackle Cam Robinson, offensive lineman Walker Little and Jones.
"Cam had a left elbow hyperextension during the game. Evaluated on the sideline. Went back, he'll be fine," Pederson said. "Just regular treatment with him this week. Walker is actually having an MRI as we speak, so I'll have more information for you later. And then, Zay has a 12:30 MRI, so we'll know more on those two later this afternoon."
Jones had five catches for 55 yards in the opener but was held to zero receptions in Week 2. He then missed the next two games and returned in Week 5. Although he couldn't finish the game, he did manage to haul in three receptions for 23 yards with a touchdown.
Trevor Lawrence ripping a backline to Zay Jones (great catch) and gets popped by Ed Oliver pic.twitter.com/LC43DOQxmc
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) October 10, 2023
Zay Jones became a pivotal piece of the Jacksonville offense last year. He registered career highs for receptions (82), and yards (823). Having him in the lineup in Week 6, even if he isn't 100 percent would be huge for the Jags.
The Jaguars could be without Walker Little vs. the Colts in Week 6
The Jaguars have enough talent on offense to overcome Zay Jones' potential absence in Week 6 but they're a much better team when he's in the lineup. If he isn't good to go, Jamal Agnew or Tim Jones could see an uptick in playing time.
However, Walker Little's injury may be a bit more serious. He exited Sunday's game and didn't return. As of this writing, the Jags haven't said anything regarding Little's status. With Cam Robinson returning from a four-game suspension, he had just moved to left guard. If he has to miss time, the coaching staff will probably go with veteran Tyler Shatley, who got the start in Week 4.
Ben Bartch had begun the season at left guard but he was benched after a few uninspiring performances. He had spent the offseason recovering from a knee injury he suffered last year, so it's fair to believe that he wasn't 100 percent or maybe he needed more time to shake off the rust. Either way, he could be an option to replace Little if he has to miss time.
On the bright side, the Jaguars defense might be getting reinforcements as soon as Week 6. They opened Dawuane Smoot's window to practice after landing on Injury Reserve to start the season. He's made progress and could play against the Colts. Similarly, DaVon Hamilton is headed in the right direction in his recovery from a non-football back injury he suffered in the preseason. Having one of them or both back would give the pass rush a boost.
The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Indianapolis Colts earlier this season but last game's outcome won't have a bearing in their Week 6 bout. This is why they need Zay Jones, along with a couple more players, to be available for the division bout.