Coming off a humiliating loss to the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars will face the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that has massive playoff implications. A win will keep their hopes alive, but a loss will severely diminish their odds.
The Jags are currently a three-point underdog for the game, and trouncing the Bolts won't be a walk in the park. Sure, their offensive line is one of the worst in the league, but quarterback Justin Herbert has still managed to come through. On top of that, Los Angeles has one of the best defenses in the league, and Jacskonville will try to pull off the upset without several key players.
The Jaguars got Parker Washington back but ruled out Anton Harrison
After missing practice Wednesday, wide receiver Parker Washington returned the following day, albeit on a limited basis. For the Chargers game, he didn't get a status, so he's a full go. On the other hand, the Jaguars have already ruled out right tackle Anton Harrison (ankle/knee), tight end Hunter Long (hip/knee), and Jourdan Lewis (neck).
Brenton Strange won't be available either, but that's because he is still technically on Injured Reserve. The third-year tight end did come back to practice after his 21-day window to return was open, and he's making strides in his recovery from a hip injury, but he'll need at least one more week to be back in the fold.
Brian Thomas Jr., for his part, earned the limited designation. He suffered an ankle sprain in the win over the Raiders and missed the Texans game. At this point, it's fair to assume that the sophomore receiver will be a game-time decision against the Chargers.
It's also worth noting that Ezra Cleveland (knee) and center Robert Hainsey (center) also popped up on the injury report but will be available in Week 11, meaning that Harrison will be the only starters missing in the offensive trenches. Cole Van Lanen will most likely fill in for him.
Sophomore Jarrian Jones will fill in for Lewis for the second straight game. The sophomore cornerback picked off Davis Mills and was the highest-graded Jaguars defender in Week 11.
Jaguars HC Liam Coen believes Cole Van Lanen is up to the challenge vs. the Chargers
Again, it's not a given that Cole Van Lanen will sub in for Anton Harrison at right tackle, but he's the favorite to get the nod. This season, the 2021 sixth-round selection has appeared in eight games and made two starts. For one, head coach Liam Coen believes Cole Van Lanen will do a good job if called upon, pointing out that he's previously filled multiple roles for the team. Here's the skinny.
"Very pleased with Cole as the whole season, right? He came in. Obviously, multiple instances have helped us either get through games, starting games, I thought Cole, he does the preparation, the trust that he has in that room with those guys," Coen said when asked how important Van Lanen's versatility has been (13:33 mark). "It's a good group that trusts each other. So I have a ton of faith in Cole this week, stepping in, if he has to, and continue to keep playing at a high level for us."
Coen continued, "So his pad level, we talked about wanting to continue to improve and staying lower. And when he's lower, he's able to be a little bit more explosive. So I've been very pleased with Cole."
Even without Anton Harrison, the Jaguars have enough talent to repel the Chargers. Of course, their odds of winning will go up if Brian Thomas Jr. suits up, but as long as they avoid shooting themselves in the foot and manage to bring Justin Herbert down a few times, they'll have a favorable chance to come out on top.