The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without several key players when they face the Arizona Cardinals. The good news, their offense is getting a massive boost.
One day before the Cards game, the team announced that it had activated Brenton Strange from the Injured Reserve. His 21-day window to practice had been open the week prior, but he hadn't officially left IR.
The third-year tight end got the questionable designation for Week 12, so it's not a given that he'll play. However, the fact that he's back on the active roster bodes well for his availability. On a related note, the Jags also promoted defensive lineman Matt Dickerson and defensive back Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig via standard elevation.
The Jaguars will be without Anton Harrison, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travon Walker
Having Brenton Strange back will be huge for the offense. After all, he led the team with 20 receptions before suffering a quad injury in Week 5. On top of that, his blocking skills made him a pivotal piece on offense. On the other hand, the Jags have already ruled out pass rusher Travon Walker, tight end Hunter Long, right tackle Anton Harrison, and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Walker suffered a knee injury in the win over the Chargers. The Jaguars will try to use a combination of Dawuane Smoot, Danny Striggow, and B.J. Green II to replace him. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck could also get an increased number of snaps.
This will be the third game Brian Thomas Jr. misses with an ankle sprain. The silver lining is that Trevor Lawrence has developed a good rapport with Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington, so the cupboard won't be bare when Jacksonville plays the Cardinals
The Jags will also be without Harrison, but Cole Van Lanen did a good job of stepping in his place against the Chargers.
Circling back to Strange, the Jaguars didn't have to make a corresponding move when they activated him because they had a roster spot open when they released safety Kahled Hailassie. It's also worth noting that the team's brass signed Juan Thornhill to the practice squad, but he won't be promoted.
Related:Travon Walker's usage and other Jags storylines to keep an eye on in Week 12
Jaguars inactives for the Cardinals game
Here are the Jaguars inactives for today's game.
• Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
• Anton Harrison, offensive tackle
• Travon Walker, defensive end
• Hunter Long, tight end
• Jourdan Lewis, cornerback
• Yasir Abdullah, linebacker
• Cody Schrader, running back