Jaguars probably coasting to Week 1 win after a major Tyreek Hill update

The Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale. They'll then spend a couple weeks gearing up for their matchup against the Miami Dolphins in the season opener. The Jags will want to beat their intrastate rival and get off to a strong start in 2024. A recent injury update should increase their odds of pulling it off.

Omar Kelly and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald report that star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was "wearing a protective brace on his right hand during practice". They add that the All-Pro nod participated in individual drills but "didn't catch any passes in practice." Similarly, teammate Jaylen Waddle has missed time with injury. Head coach Mike McDonald states that it's minor but his health is worth monitoring ahead of Week 1 of the regular season.

When you factor in that Odell Beckham Jr. hasn't been practicing, Tua Tagovailoa's arsenal of weapons is in less-than-optimal conditions. It's also worth noting that Miami is dealing with several key injuries in the defensive trenches.

Bradley Chubb and Jaelen Phillips are coming off injuries and their availability for the opener is in question. Add the fact that outside linebacker Shaq Barrett called it quits earlier this year, and the Phins' pass rush doesn't look great heading into the regular season.

Hill, a fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, earned an All-Pro designation as a returner in his rookie season. Wanting to put his game-changing skills to better use, the Chiefs moved him to receiver full-time the following year. That turned out to be a great decision as the West Alabama product went on to make five straight Pro Bowls catching passes from Patrick Mahomes.

But looking to get paid, Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Since landing in South Florida, the veteran wideout has amassed 238 receptions for 3,509 yards with 20 touchdowns. Along the way, he's earned a pair of First-Team All-Pro designations and a couple Pro Bowl nods. It's fair to say that the Dolphins' offense will take a hit if he's unavailable in the opener.

The Jaguars have an enticing matchup with Tyreek Hill potentially out of the fold

The Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive backfield is in good shape heading into the regular season. Cornerback Tyson Campbell is at full strength after dealing with injuries in 2023. In the same manner, veteran Ronald Darby has managed to stay healthy after missing time the past two years. On top of that, rookie Jarrian Jones has come along nicely and will be ready if his number is called.

If that wasn't enough, Darrell Savage has gotten full clearance after spending the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery. Even though he lined up mostly at safety, the former first-round pick is slated to man the slot in Jacksonville. This is to say that the Jags are well-equipped to counter the Dolphins offense. Having said that, they won't mind the possibility of going to an injury-ravaged Miami team.

At this point, it's uncertain if Tyreek Hill will play in Week 1, and if he does, he may not be at full strength. This isn't great for him, but the Jaguars will not pass on the chance to earn their first win of the 2024 season.

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