Having managed to escape training camp without many injuries, the Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at nearly full strength on Saturday. With the exception of running back James Robinson and linebacker Devin Lloyd, the team will bring every projected starter into the matchup with a clean bill of health, barring any last-minute setbacks.
Though the team is yet to start releasing official injury reports on their website, CBSSports.com reports that defensive end Jordan Smith was the lone addition to the injured reserve this week, as he went down with a knee injury.
Among those who were injured prior to the Jaguars’ last game against the Browns are the aforementioned Robinson and Lloyd. as well as Laviska Shenault Jr., Will Richardson, Jerimiah Ledbetter, and Jared Hocker. All are listed as questionable for week one except Ledbetter, who was placed on injured reserve back on August 11th.
Kicker Elliott Fry, who was injured last week after signing in Jacksonville in late July, was released with an injury designation on Friday, and is no longer with the team.
It is said that the best ability in the NFL is availability, and if that’s the case Jacksonville might have a shot to win some games this season if they can keep up their run of good health. If all their starters can stay the course and navigate their way into the regular season without incident, the Jaguars may be able to prey on some less fortunate teams once the games start to count.
