The Jaguars are one of three teams still in contention to win the AFC South, but their special teams have been dealt a blow. Head coach Doug Pederson announced on Monday that receiver/returner Jamal Agnew suffered a fractured lower leg in Week 17, via Sports Illustrated.
As a result of the injury, he will miss the remainder of the season. The news leaves Jacksonville without a complementary option in the passing game for Week 18 and any postseason games the team plays. More importantly, the Jaguars will also be without their primary kick and punt returner.
Agnew has handled return duties in each of his three seasons in Duval County. He recorded a 102-yard kick return in 2021, and he followed that up with another strong season last year. The 28-year-old earned a Pro Bowl nod by totaling 1,025 scrimmage yards and averaging 26 yards per kick return. He has matched the latter figure in 2023, making him an integral member of Jacksonville’s special teams unit.
The former Lions fifth-rounder has also chipped in on offense, retaining a secondary pass-catching role this season. Agnew posted 14 receptions for 225 yards (the second highest total of his career) and one touchdown, production which will especially be missed in the event Christian Kirk is unable to play again in 2023. The latter is on injured reserve due to core muscle surgery, and his return to the lineup is in the air at this point.
Sitting at 9-7, the Jaguars are currently atop their division. They will finish the campaign against the Titans knowing they will need to keep pace with the winner of the Week 18 Colts-Texans matchup to clinch a playoff berth. Jacksonville will be forced to do so without Agnew in the fold. Given his status as a pending free agent, the injury could hinder his market in the offseason.
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