Trevor Lawrence is expected to take the field this weekend, and the Jacksonville Jaguars may receive an additional boost with the return of wide receiver Christian Kirk, who has been reinstated to the active roster following a week of practice.
Kirk, who had been on injured reserve due to a groin injury sustained on December 4, may not be guaranteed to play, but his return marks a positive development. He had been Lawrence’s primary target last season, contributing significantly to the team’s AFC South title win. Even with the addition of Calvin Ridley this season, Kirk remained a key figure in the passing game.
Before his injury, Kirk had amassed 82 targets in 11 games, compared to Ridley’s 76. His standout performance last season included career-highs with 84 receptions, 1,108 yards, and eight touchdowns—unfortunately, his injury interrupted what was shaping up to be another impressive season.
Jacksonville has felt the absence of Kirk, which is evident in their decreased scoring average of 18.0 points per game without him. In contrast, prior to his absence, they averaged 23.8 points per game. Despite Lawrence being absent last week, the team still managed to score 26 points.
The Jaguars’ crucial matchup against the Tennessee Titans holds the key to securing the AFC South for the second consecutive season. While a loss could still see them make the playoffs, it would require additional losses by Pittsburgh and Denver to secure the AFC’s No. 7 seed.
Reports from the NFL Network suggest that Lawrence is eager to play on Sunday, focusing more on pain management than the risk of further injury after missing his first career game last week. If both Lawrence and Kirk are indeed active, the Jaguars’ pursuit of consecutive division titles appears more achievable.
Should they succeed, it would mark the first time the Jaguars have made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since their four consecutive appearances from 1996 to 1999.
