Jaguars’ new starting tight end Brenton Strange is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and will begin Week 16 limited in practice, Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson revealed on Wednesday.
Strange took over as Jacksonville’s starting tight end for the rest of the year after Evan Engram was ruled out for the season with a labrum injury last week.
Strange caught a career-high 11 passes for 73 yards against the New York Jets on Sunday.
“Brenton [had an] AC sprain coming out of the game. He’ll just be a little bit limited, he’ll be fine,” Pederson said. “We’ll just limit him today, no contact, things like that.”
Jacksonville’s second-round, No. 61 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Strange has logged 34 receptions for 329 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games and seven starts this season, a breakout campaign after he hauled in only five passes for 35 yards and one touchdown as a rookie.
Strange started for Jacksonville in Weeks 2-5 as Engram nursed a hamstring injury suffered in the first game of the season, against the Miami Dolphins.
“Brenton’s been a bright spot for us,” Pederson described Strange Monday. “Somebody who we’ve always, as a staff, really have had a lot of confidence in. I think too for Brenton, it’s just a matter of getting that opportunity, and now he has it, obviously, under unfortunate circumstances. But he really has just been a bright spot.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked. He does a great job in the run game, he’s physical. Then, you’re seeing what he can do in the pass game. Great hands, ability to separate and get open, and then break tackles. That’s what you want from your tight end.”
Jacksonville will face the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Week 16, at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
