Brian Thomas Jr. injury update: Jaguars WR avoids shoulder scare

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. avoided an injury scare Wednesday during minicamp, according to head coach Liam Coen. Thomas Jr. appeared to hurt his shoulder during a collision.

However, Coen didn’t seem too concerned about the former LSU Tigers wide receiver. Although he didn’t go back into live drills, Thomas Jr. returned to the sideline with his helmet on.

Going into Year 2 with the Jaguars, Thomas Jr. is expected to be a major contributor to the offense once again. Take a breath Jacksonville fans.

“He’s fine. He absolutely could’ve gone back and played — just bruised it a little bit,” Coen said. “Said he had great range of motion, strength. He’s all good. No issues, just precautionary. “[I]f he didn’t come back out, he’d be really hurt. He was completely cleared to play.”

As a rookie last year, Thomas Jr. was very productive despite the down year for the Jaguars. He finished with 87 catches for 1,282 yards, 10 touchdowns and 14.7 yards per catch.

During the 2023 season, his final year with LSU, Thomas Jr. broke out with 68 catches, 1,117 yards, 17 touchdowns and 17.3 yards per catch. He had 24 touchdowns in college over the course of three years.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Thomas Jr. was a four-star recruit out of Walker (La.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 4 overall prospect in the state, the No. 15 wide receiver in the class and the No. 92 overall prospect in the class.

Thomas Jr. might be the primary target for QB Trevor Lawrence, but he’ll be aided by No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter. Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado, will play wide receiver and cornerback, turning into a super weapon for the Jaguars.

Thomas Jr. and the Jaguars begin the preseason August 9th against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The regular season opener is scheduled for September 7th at home against the Carolina Panthers.