The Jacksonville Jaguars lost linebacker Devin Lloyd in the first half of the loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The whole ordeal was a bit odd because the team didn't offer much information at first. The issue was quickly shrugged off when the fourth-year linebacker returned to the field.
Having said that, the issue appears to be bigger than the Jags expected based on an update head coach Liam Coen provided one day after the 20-12 loss.
Jaguars are doing further testing on Devin Lloyd
Liam Coen met with the local media before traveling to London for the game against the Los Angeles Rams. He says that Lloyd was cleared to return to the game after dealing with a tight calf in he second half, but is undergoing further tests to assess the severity of the injury.
"The second at halftime, went to go in the second half a little bit, it was just too tight," Coen said. "So we played, made a decision as coaches to get Ventrell [Miller] in. Ventrell played well. He was cleared medically to play, but we just felt like his coaches watching him run a little bit that it was just too tight."
Coen continued, "So played Ventrell, got him going, and we're currently just kind of being able to test Devin and look at it right now to see if he'll be able to go for us this week. and then Quentin Morris as well, being evaluated for an abductor deal. His status is a little bit up in the air right now."
Ventrell Miller ended up playing 29 defensive snaps and posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 89.9, the highest among Jaguars defenders in Week 6. The Jaguars may not want to rush Lloyd back onto the field, and if that's the case, Miller will get the starting nod next to Foyesade Oluokun against the Rams.
A fourth-round pick in 2023, Miller missed his rookie campaign with an Achilles tear. He bounced back last year and even outplayed Lloyd. However, he's taken on a reserve role this season in light of Lloyd's success.
The Jaguars defense could experience a steep dropoff without Ventrell Miller
As solid as Ventrell Miller was in the loss to the Seahawks, the Jaguars most definitely missed Devin Lloyd's game-altering skills. Sure, he returned in the second half but wasn't probably 100 percent because of the calf injury.
Against Seattle, the Jacksonville defense failed to create a single takeaway, the first time this season after registering 14 the five games prior. Not having a healthy Lloyd must've played a role in that. After all, the former Utah Ute has registered a league-best four interceptions and one forced fumble in 2025.
As of this writing, it's hard to tell if Devin Lloyd will suit up against the Los Angeles Rams. Maybe the Jags will see how he progresses and make a decision until Game Day. If he's not available, though, Ventrell Miller will need to step up in his place.