The Jacksonville Jaguars lost several players to injuries in the 19-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. The silver lining is that most of them won't miss time. The bad news is that left tackle Walker Little probably won't be available when the Jags welcome the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium.
One day after the loss to the Raiders, head coach Doug Pederson told the local media that Little will likely miss the Titans game, pointing out that he's dealing with an ankle injury. Similarly, safety Darnell Savage is in concussion protocol, so he may not be available either.
On the bright side, linebacker Ventrell Miller, right tackle Anton Harrison, nickel Jarrian Jones, and cornerback Tyson Campbell are good to go despite the fact that they left at different points throughout the Raiders game.
With Little expected to miss Week 17, Cole Van Lanen will line up at left tackle. He filled in for Little and ended up playing 61 snaps against the Raiders. Blake Hance will be stepping in at right tackle if Harrison sits out the game, and rookie Javon Foster will likely be the primary backup at the position.
Foster, a fourth-round pick in this year's draft, has been a healthy scratch nearly all season. He's logged just three total snaps on special teams and none on offense.
With that in mind, below is the initial injury report for Week 17. Aside from Little, Miller, and Savage, Davon Hamilton missed practice with an illness. Right guard Brandon Scheff (knee/shoulder), tight end Brenton Strange (shoulder), and left guard Ezra Cleveland (knee) were listed as limited.
Wednesday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/G5vTudmYp9
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 25, 2024
The Jacksonville Jaguars must allow Walker Little to rest vs. the Titans
Losing Walker Little would be a reason for concern for the Jacksonville Jaguars if they were competing for a playoff spot or better seeding, but neither is the case. They've already been eliminated from postseason contention, so the Jags are in no hurry to rush their starting left tackle back onto the football field. Moreover, they'll be facing the equally dreadful Tennessee Titans, so they'll be fine without him. If that wasn't enough, losing wouldn't be the end of the world.
Sure, Jacksonville would certainly love to sweep its dreaded division foe and have something to be proud of in what has otherwise been a disappointing season. Having said that, a loss would potentially increase the Jaguars' chances of clinching a better position and a higher pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
As things stand, the Jags hold the third overall selection while the New York Giants and the New England Patriots have picks No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. By securing a high selection, they would be in a better position to go after two-way star Travis Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner could help them either bolster the wide receiver corps or the cornerback room.
Granted, the Jaguars won't be going into the game trying to actively lose, but if that's their preferred outcome, not having Walker Little around will help. Then again, they could beat the Titans even without the fourth-year tackle.