Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk will not play for the rest of the season due to a broken left collarbone, as reported by someone who is aware of the situation.
This source spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t provided an update on Kirk’s status yet.
Kirk injured his collarbone when he landed on his shoulder while trying to catch a deep pass in the fourth quarter of a 30-27 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. He was seen wearing a sling in the locker room after the game.
This injury might mark his last play with the Jaguars (2-6). Kirk, who missed the last five games of the previous season because of a core muscle injury, has one year left on his four-year, $72 million contract and is set to count $24.4 million against the salary cap in 2025. Recently, he had been the focus of trade rumors.
Now, with no chance of trading him before the deadline and with Jacksonville potentially looking to shake things up after losing 11 of their last 14 games, releasing Kirk next year could save them nearly $11 million in cap space.
“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, ever been around, one of the smartest players I’ve been around,” tight end Evan Engram said. “One of the best leaders I’ve been around.”
The 28-year-old Kirk has made 27 catches for 379 yards and one touchdown this season and has clearly become the second option for quarterback Trevor Lawrence behind rookie Brian Thomas Jr. Over seven seasons, including four with Arizona, Kirk has 404 receptions for 5,176 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Kirk was one of six Jaguars players injured in the game, which included all three starting receivers. Gabe Davis also hurt a shoulder, and Thomas left late in the game with a rib injury that will need further tests on Monday.
Jacksonville also missed cornerback Ronald Darby (hip) and guards Ezra Cleveland (ankle) and Brandon Scherff (knee). Scherff was the only one who returned to the game.
