There was bad news for fantasy football managers and Jacksonville Jaguars fans when Brian Thomas Jr. was listed as questionable to return with a chest injury. Let’s examine what happened to Thomas and what it means for his fantasy value going forward.
What Is Brian Thomas Jr.’s Injury?
When Thomas scored a third-quarter touchdown against the Packers, he came down on the turf hard. After that play, he remained on Jacksonville’s sideline but did not re-enter the game.
BTJ took his ankles. Sheesh pic.twitter.com/D3eOH2uH1N
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) October 27, 2024
On Monday, the Jaguars head coach revealed that Thomas sustained a chest contusion and would have an MRI.
Prior to the injury, Thomas had 60 yards and a touchdown on three receptions from four targets.
When Will Brian Thomas Return From Injury
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Thomas could miss two to four weeks after suffering a chest/rib injury in Week 8. Thomas was set for more scans on Monday and to get a second opinion, but it sounded as though he would miss time.
Pederson gave an update after Fowler’s report, which truncated the potential time missed for the rookie. He stated that Thomas could have a chance to play in Week 9, as the MRI did not show anything more severe, and he could play against the Eagles.
How Will Brian Thomas’ Abscense Impact the Jaguars
Pending Monday Night Football, Thomas ranks first among rookie receivers in yards (573) and yards per route run (2.60); he’s second to Malik Nabers in receptions (30) and touchdowns (four).
The Jaguars will face the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions over the next three games before taking a bye in Week 12. If Thomas’ injury timeline ends on the long end of the initial estimate, Jacksonville could conceivably hold him out through its bye.
Trevor Lawrence is officially running out of wide receivers. Christian Kirk will miss the rest of the season after breaking his collarbone in Week 8. Gabe Davis is dealing with a shoulder injury and never returned on Sunday after departing in the first half.
Jacksonville could have gone from having a three-deep WR room to having none in the space of a single game.
The Jaguars may need to rely on a combination of Parker Washington and Tim Jones at wide receiver. Practice-squaders like Elijah Cooks, Austin Trammell, and Joshua Cephus could be in line for Week 9 promotions.
Head coach Doug Pederson and Co. could also look toward their tight ends — Evan Engram and Brenton Strange — and their running backs to play a bigger part in the passing game.