Jaguars TE Brenton Strange placed on IR: Must miss at least four games due to hip injury

The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed tight end Brenton Strange on injured reserve due to a hip injury, sidelining him for at least four games.

Why it matters: Strange's absence is significant for the Jaguars as he has emerged as a key player in their offense, leading the team with 20 receptions this season.

• His versatility and ability to stretch the field are crucial in an offensive scheme that relies heavily on tight ends for both blocking and receiving.

What’s new: Strange sustained his injury during a pivotal moment in the Jaguars' recent 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

• The injury occurred when Strange was bending over after running a route—an incident indicative of how non-contact injuries can sometimes derail a player's season.

What to watch: Strange's potential return in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers will be a critical development for the Jaguars.

• If he recovers as expected, his reintegration could provide a much-needed boost as the team navigates the latter part of the season.

Yes, but: Although Strange is not facing a season-ending injury, the Jaguars will have to adapt without one of their most productive targets for several weeks.

• The team's depth at tight end will be tested, and they will need other players to step up to fill the void left by Strange.

By the numbers: Strange's 20 catches highlight his importance in the passing game, particularly within the context of modern offensive schemes which increasingly feature tight ends as primary receiving threats.

• He was instrumental in creating matchup problems for opposing defenses, which may be harder to replicate in his absence.

The big picture: To mitigate the impact of Strange's injury, the Jaguars have signed Tim Jones to their practice squad while releasing Erik Ezukanma.

• This move suggests a strategic focus on enhancing their receiving options, potentially indicating a shift in how they will approach their upcoming games without Strange.

The bottom line: While the Jaguars will miss Brenton Strange in the coming weeks, his anticipated return could revitalize their offense just in time for critical matchups later in the season.

• Ensuring that he is fully healed before rushing back will be essential for both his long-term health and the team's overall success.