Jaguars WR Christian Kirk gets hurt, officially out vs. Bengals [updated]

The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to a hot start on Monday Night Football, forcing the Cincinnati Bengals to turn the ball over on downs on their first possession. However, wide receiver Christian Kirk went down after getting his first reception of the day.

Update: Kirk is questionable to return for the game, he's been diagnosed with a groin injury.

Update No. 1: Kirk is officially out. Tre Herndon, who also left the game in the first half, is out as well.

After the catch, Kirk was checked by the training staff. He was able to get to the locker on his own but losing him could be a huge loss.

The Bengals got the ball to start the game. They got 29 yards on eight plays on their first possession. At one point, they were fourth-and-3 on the Jaguars' 44-yard line. Outside linebacker Josh Allen and Travon Walker spoiled their party, splitting a sack and taking Jake Browning down, effectively getting the ball back on downs.

Once the Jags got the ball, Trevor Lawrence wasted no time connecting with Kirk for a 26-yard gain on the Jags' first play. As of this writing, the Jags haven't announced whether Kirk will be back, but at least for a drive, the offense didn't miss a beat.

After Kirk's catch, Jacksonville marched 25 yards down field and Travis Etienne capped a seven-play drive with a rushing touchdown, his eight of the year.

A second-round pick in the 2018 draft by Arizona Cardinals, Kirk inked a four-year deal worth $72 million with the Jaguars last year. The signing raised eyebrows given that the former Texas A&M Aggie hadn't had a 1,000-yard in his career, and hadn't been WR1 full-time. However, he quickly dispel the notion he was overpaid, catching 18 passes for 267 yards with three touchdowns in the first three games of the season.

Kirk finished the 2022 season with 84 receptions, 1,108 yards with eight touchdowns. All career bests. This season, he has 57 receptions (including today's) for 787 yards with three touchdowns.

The Jaguars have early control of the Monday Night Football vs. the Bengals

So far, the Bengals have turned it over on downs, and missed a field goal on their first two possessions. Meanwhile, the Jags have had no trouble moving the ball. Granted, they punted in their second offensive drive, but it looks like they should be fine even if Christian Kirk doesn't return.

On Cincinnati's first two drives, Jake Browning went 8-of-8 but he averaged a measly 5.8 yards per throw, showing the Bengals' hesitency to take deep shots and put too much on his plate. On the other hand, the Jags have had a bit of trouble containing Joe Mixon, who had one long reception for 28 yards.

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