Jaguars facing injury struggles; Walker, Thomas, Harrison, Long, Abdullah ruled out against Cardinals

The Jacksonville Jaguars face significant injury challenges ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, impacting both offense and defense.

Why it matters: Injuries can profoundly affect a team’s performance, particularly when key players are sidelined. The Jaguars’ depleted roster may hinder their ability to execute their game plan effectively against the Cardinals.

• Defensive end Travon Walker, who has contributed 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season, is ruled out due to a knee injury, further straining the team's defensive line.
• Offensive struggles may be exacerbated by the absence of receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and right tackle Anton Harrison, who will miss their second consecutive game.

What’s new: The Jaguars have several players listed as questionable, indicating potential last-minute changes to the lineup.

• Cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones both carry significant injuries; Lewis is dealing with a neck issue while Jones has a quad injury.
• Tight end Brenton Strange could return after missing five games due to a hip injury, but he must be activated from injured reserve by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday to play.

Yes, but: While missing multiple starters presents a challenge, the Jaguars still have depth that can mitigate some of these issues.

• Players like rookie linebacker Yasir Abdullah and backup tight end Hunter Long will need to step up in the absence of higher-profile teammates.
• The Jaguars offensive scheme, which often relies on quick passes and spread formations, might adapt to maximize the contributions of available players.

What to watch: The health statuses of questionable players leading up to the game could significantly influence the Jaguars’ strategy.

• If Strange is activated, his return would provide quarterback Trevor Lawrence with an additional target, potentially easing some of the pressure off the receiving corps.
• Conversely, if the cornerbacks cannot go, the team's secondary may struggle against Arizona's passing attack, creating opportunities for the Cardinals’ receivers.

The bottom line: As the Jaguars navigate their injury woes, adaptability will be crucial in maintaining competitiveness.

• With critical matchups ahead, the ability to manage depth and utilize alternative strategies will determine their success against the Cardinals, especially in maintaining playoff aspirations.