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Jaguars WR Parker Washington reaps benefits of kickoff rule with 73-yard return

• Jaguars WR/KR Parker Washington is already reaping the benefits of the new kickoff rule.

By Carlos Sanchez

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) makes a turn during drills. The Jacksonville Jaguars let most of the veterans off from participating in Monday's mandatory minicamp session held in the air conditioned enclosed field at EverBank Stadium's Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. June 10, 2024.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) makes a turn during drills. The Jacksonville Jaguars let most of the veterans off from participating in Monday's mandatory minicamp session held in the air conditioned enclosed field at EverBank Stadium's Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. June 10, 2024. / Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
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One of the biggest changes the 2024 NFL season will experience will come in kickoffs. The league is adopting the XFL model in order to increase the number of big plays. Wide receiver Parker Washington is wasting no time taking advantage of the change, breaking off a big return for the Jacksonville Jaguars early in the preseason Week 1 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

As expected, the Chiefs had their starters in their first drive. Patrick Mahomes had no trouble moving the ball until Jaguars defensive end Trevis Gipson made plays in back-to-back plays. The Kansas City quarterback then threw a pass that fell incomplete and kicker Harrison Butker went on to nail a 45-yard attempt.

Down 3-0, the Jaguars return team took the field. That's when Washington reeled in the ball and broke off a 73-yard run. Here's the play if you haven't seen it or if you want to watch it again.

Washington, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, hardly got playing time early in his rookie campaign. It didn't help that he landed on the Injured Reserve list after suffering a knee injury in Week 4. But once he was back, he got his chance when fellow receiver Christian Kirk suffered a core injury.

With Kirk out of the mix, Washington saw an uptick in playing time and finished the year with 16 receptions for 132 yards with two touchdowns. Not outstanding but pretty solid for a Day 3 pick.

Heading into Year 2, Washington was seen as a candidate to make a massive leap. Throughout the offseason, he got rave reviews from the coaching staff and fellow players. His long kickoff return shows that ht praise was warranted.

Parker Washington should have secured a spot on the Jaguars' 53-man roster

The Jaguars are stacked at wide receiver. They might've already earmarked four spots for Gabe Davis, Brian Thomas Jr., Christian Kirk, and Devin Duvernay. Parker Washington was probably a borderline candidate, but the team's brass must now change his name from pencil to pen on the depth chart after his impressive return.

Washington wasn't on the fringe but if there were any doubts about his viability, his big return should put them to rest. Keep in mind that the former Penn State Nittany Lion isn't the main returner. That would be Duvernay, so Jacksonville should be thrilled about having two players who are able to handle kickoffs.

It's also worth noting that Washington might've gotten a chance because rookie running back Keilan Robinson missed the preseason opener. At 5'9", he won't get many carries, but he could carve a niche on special teams, as he showcased an ability to break off big returns during his collegiate days with the Longhorns.

Heading into the game, head coach Doug Pederson said that he didn't expect teams to tip their hand on special teams, and didn't reveal much about Jacksonville's plans for kickoffs. The approach has most definitely paid off.

Preseason isn't about winning or losing but rather for players to showcase their talent and for teams to assess their rosters. And there's no doubt Parker Washington made a strong impression against the Chiefs.

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