The 10-4 Jacksonville Jaguars enter Week 16 as the AFC’s No. 3 seed and will head to Denver to take on the 12-2 Broncos, who currently sit atop the conference as the No. 1 seed. This is, without question, Jacksonville’s biggest non-divisional game of the season, with massive implications for both the AFC playoff picture and the AFC South race.
A win would keep Houston behind them in the division and place the Jaguars directly in the hunt for the No. 1 seed, while a loss would eliminate that possibility and open the door for the Texans to steal the division lead. There is no doubt that Jacksonville views this as a must-win game.
RB Bhayshul Tuten
Finger
Bhayshul Tuten is officially out after undergoing surgery on his finger following an injury suffered in Week 15 against the Jets. He is not expected to return until the postseason, removing a valuable piece from the Jaguars’ backfield rotation.
Tuten had been an excellent second option behind Travis Etienne this season and provided consistent production when called upon. In his absence, Etienne is expected to handle an increased workload while LeQuint Allen moves up into the RB2 role.
OL Ezra Cleveland
Shoulder
Ezra Cleveland was limited throughout the week as he continues to manage a lingering shoulder injury, but he is good to go for Sunday’s matchup. The Jaguars have taken a cautious approach with him to ensure he is fully ready for game day.
His availability is critical in such a high-stakes matchup, especially against Denver’s defensive front. Cleveland has been one of the better guards in football this season, ranking 15th at the position according to PFSN’s Player OL Impact Rankings.
OL Walker Little
Concussion
Walker Little was a full participant all week after missing multiple games while recovering from a concussion. Although he is listed as unspecified, he is expected to be available against the Broncos.
If Little plays, Jacksonville will face an interesting decision along the offensive line. Cole Van Lanen has performed very well in Little’s absence, but having multiple capable options up front is a luxury the Jaguars will gladly take heading into the postseason.
DT Arik Armstead
Hand
Arik Armstead was a full participant throughout the week and is completely healthy for game day. He has been playing through this same injury for several weeks, making his presence on the injury report largely precautionary.
There is little concern surrounding his availability or effectiveness. Armstead will continue serving as Jacksonville’s top interior defender and anchor up front against one of the league’s best teams.
DE Danny Striggow
Ankle
Danny Striggow did not practice at all this week and has been ruled out with an ankle injury. This is a more significant loss than it may seem at first.
The undrafted rookie has carved out an important role as a rotational edge defender in a thin pass rush group. Without him, Jacksonville will need Dennis Gardeck and BJ Green to take on larger roles as depth pieces off the edge.
DE Josh Hines-Allen
Illness / Shoulder
Josh Hines-Allen missed practice early in the week due to illness but progressed to full participation by the end of the week. He is also dealing with a minor shoulder issue, but he is healthy and expected to play.
With Striggow sidelined, Hines-Allen is expected to see the field as much as possible in this crucial matchup. His performance will be vital against Denver’s elite offensive line and will go a long way toward determining Jacksonville’s defensive success.
DE Travon Walker
Knee
Travon Walker was a full participant throughout the entire week and is listed as having unspecified injuries. He has been dealing with the same knee issue he has played through in recent games.
There is no doubt that Walker will be on the field for such an important matchup. He and Hines-Allen will look to prove that they are one of the best edge duos in the league against a top-seeded opponent.
LB Jalen McLeod
Ankle
Jalen McLeod’s practice window was officially opened this week after spending the entire season on injured reserve. He was limited throughout the week but has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
While he will not make his debut this week, McLeod is expected to return within the next couple of games. Once healthy, he should provide the Jaguars with an additional burst of athleticism and depth off the edge as they prepare for a postseason run.
