Is Brian Thomas Jr. Hurt? A Look at the Jaguars Superstar’s Quiet Start to the 2025 NFL Season

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been surprisingly quiet to start the 2025 season after having a breakout year as a rookie. In the season opener against the Carolina Panthers, Thomas was limited to just one reception for seven yards, a far cry from the dynamic playmaker he was last year.

Heading into Week 2, the Jaguars faced the Cincinnati Bengals with momentum on their side, holding a 17-10 lead at halftime. Despite the lead, Thomas remained largely underwhelming.

Is Brian Thomas Jr. Playing Today?

Yes, Thomas is playing and was not listed on the injury report heading into Week 2.

Nevertheless, Thomas caught just two passes for 25 yards in the first half. It’s surprising to see a team’s star receiver have such a diminished role throughout the first two weeks of the season.

After six quarters of play, Thomas ranked fifth on the team in targets, trailing rookie sensation Travis Hunter (9), wide receiver Dyami Brown (7), tight end Brenton Strange (5), and running back Travis Etienne (3).

This limited target share contrasts starkly with his rookie season, where he was the clear top option in Jacksonville’s passing game and a favorite target of quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones.

Jaguars reception leaders through 6 quarters…

Travis Hunter – 9
Dyami Brown – 7
Brenton Strange – 5
Travis Etienne – 3
Brian Thomas Jr. – 3 pic.twitter.com/f819QVfPmX

— Underdog (@Underdog) September 14, 2025

Regardless of Thomas’ talent, the Jaguars have added competition to the receiving corps. Jacksonville took Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick and signed Dyami Brown to a one-year deal in free agency. Both have proven to play vital roles in the passing game, with Hunter hauling in six receptions for 33 yards and Brown catching three for 52 yards in Week 1.

Thomas is coming off an impressive rookie campaign, during which he made the Pro Bowl and the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He led the team in all receiving categories, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Thomas is a crucial part of the Jaguars’ long-term plan. Although it’s still early in the season, Thomas has all the tools to break out at any moment, thanks to his talent and athleticism.

With high expectations on Thomas’ shoulders, fans, analysts, and fantasy managers are watching closely to see if he can regain his explosive form and make a bigger impact in the second half and beyond this season. The Jaguars and their fanbase remain hopeful that this slow start is just a brief adjustment period and that Thomas’ sophomore season will ramp up soon.