The last time we saw the Jacksonville Jaguars in action, they got destroyed by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. With their bye week taking place in Week 8, the Jaguars have had a shot to regroup and get themselves ready for their upcoming contest against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9, which they should win, unless something goes completely wrong.
While the Jags have been a bit of a mess this season (even though they have a 4-3 record), the Raiders have been far worse than them. However, injuries have made Jacksonville’s task a bit tougher heading into this one, as the team received a crushing update regarding star linebacker Devin Lloyd‘s status for this game.
Devin Lloyd Not Expected to Play vs. Raiders
The Jaguars selected Lloyd with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and while he was solid in his first three seasons in the league, his play often left something to be desired. While Lloyd is an excellent tackler, he’s had his struggles when dropping back into coverage to begin his career, which is a big reason why the Jags declined his fifth-year option back in April.
Through six games this season, Lloyd has made Jacksonville look foolish for declining his option. Lloyd has 28 tackles, which is a bit of a lower figure for him, but he is leading the league with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a 99-yard touchdown. He also has four pass deflections, two tackles for a loss, and two quarterback hits.
Lloyd has been doing a little bit of everything for the Jaguars this season, but his progress came to a screeching halt thanks to a calf injury that forced him to miss the team’s most recent contest against the Rams. The hope was that Lloyd would be able to return to action in Week 9, but it sounds like the team isn’t expecting him to play against the Raiders.
“Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd, listed as questionable for today due to a calf injury, is not expected to play vs. the Raiders,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported.
Who Will Replace Devin Lloyd for the Jaguars in Week 9?
GettyJaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd.
Lloyd’s absence from this contest would be a big blow for the Jaguars, as the team missed him mightily in their loss to the Rams. Without him, Ventrell Miller could see an uptick in snaps, with Foyesade Oluokun and Dennis Gardeck also set to take on bigger roles without one of their fellow starting linebackers in the mix.
Even without Lloyd, Jacksonville should have enough firepower to take down Las Vegas, although crazier things have happened in the NFL before. With this kickoff being scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET, Lloyd has some extra time to get himself ready for this one, but things aren’t looking good for him right now. As always, it will be worth checking back in on Lloyd’s final status before kickoff, but it looks like the Jaguars are preparing to be without him on Sunday.
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