The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a massive blow when they placed Travis Hunter on the Injured Reserve earlier this year. But even then, the expectation is that he was going to return at some point in the season. Unfortunately, whatever hopes they had of having the rookie out of Colorado back went out of the window when he underwent surgery on his MCL, effectively bringing his campaign to an end.
But as discouraging as the news was, the show must go on, and Jacksonville needs to prepare to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. Luckily, they should have a handful of players back for the interdivision matchup.
The Jaguars have Brenton Strange and Brian Thomas Jr. back at practice
The Jaguars posted their first injury report for Week 11. Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) earned the limited designation after not practicing last week and sitting out the Texans bout. There was a chance he would suit up, but the team ended up playing it safe.
Wednesday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/6yHLHFMha4
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) November 13, 2025
Aside from Thomas, Robert Hainsey (groin), linebacker Jack Kiser (quad), Wyatt Milum (knee), Patrick Mekari (knee), left guard Ezra Cleveland (knee/ankle), tight end Brenton Strange (quad), linebacker Dennis Gardeck (Chest), and cornerback Greg Newsome (shoulder) were listed as limited. Cleveland missed the Week 10 matchup against Houston.
Strange, for his part, had his 21-day practice window open after spending the past few weeks on Injured Reserve. It's not a given that he'll suit up against the Bolts, but he's most definitely trending in the right direction. Alivia Tassely of Action Sports Jax posted several pictures and clips of the tight end's return to practice.
Strange work 🏈
The TE is back on the grass. Bet Trevor is a happy QB. @ActionSportsJax #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/48pG5TxKFX
— Alivia Tassely (@AliviaASJax) November 12, 2025
On the other hand, Anton Harrison (knee/ankle), cornerback Jourdan Lewis (neck), tight end Hunter Long (knee/hip), and wide receiver Parker Washington (hamstring) did not practice. Lewis and Long missed Week 10. Washington scored two touchdowns against the Texans and finished his game, so his inclusion in the report was a bit surprising.
With Travis Hunter out for the year, the Jaguars will need Brian Thomas Jr. ASAP
There's still plenty of time before the Chargers game, so Thomas will have a better chance to play than he did last week. Sure, he was going through a sophomore slump before he sprained his ankle, but he's shown that he can play at a high level. He'll need to do it again now that Travis Hunter is out for the year.
Even though the Jaguars will miss Hunter's playmaking skills, the trio of Thomas, Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington (barring a setback) would soften the blow of his absence.
Aside from Thomas, having Brenton Strange back in practice (even if he doesn't play in Week 11) is huge. Trevor Lawrence has surely missed his sure hands, and the Jags could most definitely use his feisty blocking.
On a different note, if Anton Harrison left the fourth quarter of the meltdown against Houston. If he doesn't play against Los Angeles, Cole Van Lanen will probably get the starting nod at right tackle.
Ultimately, the Jaguars need to prepare for the Chargers with the players they have, and they most certainly have enough talent across the board to bounce back from the embarrassing loss to the Texans.