Former first-round draft pick K’Lavon Chaisson‘s struggles in the NFL will continue for at least another four weeks as the Jaguars pass rusher is headed to injured reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The LSU-product is dealing with a meniscus injury suffered this past Sunday that was severe enough to warrant the extended time out.
Chaisson has failed to catch on in the NFL after being drafted No. 20 overall in 2020. He got his most playing time as a rookie, appearing in every game and starting three. While he got five more starting opportunities in his sophomore season, Chaisson saw his snap usage plummet as, even though he started eight games, he was only on the field for over half of the defensive snaps in only two games all year. This year has seen his usage plummet even more. In four games this season, Chaisson has played more special teams than defense.
Chaisson had shown some flash of ability as a rookie. Despite recording only 1.0 sack, Chaisson got to the quarterback nine times and racked up 3.0 tackles for loss. In 2021, he was able to replicate his sack and tackles for loss totals, but only managed four quarterback hits. So far this year, through four games, Chaisson has failed to tally a sack, tackle for loss, or quarterback hit.
Chaisson’s waning usage is easily a result of the increasing talent of Jacksonville’s linebacking corps. No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker has played up to his value across the field from star defender Josh Allen and, after a breakout contract year in Atlanta, Foyesade Oluokun has continued to be a tackling machine. That’s not even mentioning that Walker faces some stiff competition for Defensive Rookie of the Year from his own teammate, inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. The talent-laden position group not only has Jacksonville as a top-five scoring defense but also has pushed Chaisson aside for more productive teammates.
Chaisson will be eligible to return from IR in time for a mid-November matchup with the Chiefs, but, if the injury shows any possible chance for long-term damage, the Jaguars may decide to hold him out through their Week 11 bye to give him a solid six weeks off. Regardless, Chaisson will be feeling the pressure once he returns. He will be heading into a contract year next season, but, with a $4.25M cap hit in 2023, he may end up becoming a cap casualty before playing out the last year of his rookie contract.
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