T
he Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to regroup. Losing a close game to the Seattle Seahawks in week six to fall to 4-2 and snap a three game winning streak, the Jaguars are ready to return to action in week seven and get their season back on track. Facing a tough test in the Los Angeles Rams, the Jaguars also have to travel all the way to London for this game, making this week a major test of grit and resilience.
But the Jaguars will play this week without one of their most important players. Fourth year linebacker Devin Lloyd, the NFL’s leader in interceptions, will miss week seven’s game with a cal injury.
Lloyd’s Injury
It is unknown exactly when Lloyd got hurt, but the injury presumably occurred during the team’s 20-12 loss to the Seahawks. The Jaguars left for London on Monday evening, and Lloyd did not join the team on their flight, cementing his status for Sunday. Drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Lloyd finished each of his first three seasons with over 100 tackles and while his tackle numbers have been down to the start this season, his impact remains the same.
Lloyd is not the only Jaguars player that will miss this week’s game. Fifth year tight end Quintin Morris will miss the game with a groin injury and also did not make the trip across the pond. But regardless of who the Jaguars are missing, it is next man up mentality as the team hones in on getting a win and going into their bye week on a high note.
Lloyd’s Season Thus Far
Since joining the Jaguars as the 27th overall pick in ’22, Lloyd instantly became a core part of the team’s defense and has been a major reason why the team has found success in the first season under new head coach, Liam Coen. Recording 28 total tackles through the first six games of the season, Lloyd leads the entire NFL in turnovers with five (four interceptions, and a fumble recovery). Totaling 23 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery, Lloyd earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for September.
But the highlight of Lloyd’s season so far happened in the Jaguars’ week five 31-28 win over the reigning AFC champions, Kansas City Chiefs. Tied 14-14 with 2:35 left in the third quarter, Lloyd intercepted a pass from Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs inside the Jaguars’ 10-yard line– taking it 99 yards to the house and putting the Jaguars ahead as the final quarter began. The pick six ended up being a defining play that helped the Jaguars take home the upset win on Monday Night Football.
The Jaguars will take on the Rams at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 19 as part of the NFL International Games. Kickoff for the game is set for 6:30 a.m. (PDT)/ 9:30 a.m. (EDT) and will air on NFL Network.
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