Brian Thomas Jr. Injury Update: Will Fantasy Managers Get the Jaguars WR Week 13?

Jacksonville travels to Nashville for their Week 13 divisional clash against the Tennessee Titans looking to build momentum after securing back-to-back victories. Brian Thomas Jr. has been sidelined with the ankle injury that’s cost him three consecutive games. Will fantasy football managers finally get their top receiver back on the field?

Brian Thomas Jr. Injury Update

The ankle problem originated during Jacksonville’s Week 9 overtime win against Las Vegas when Thomas went down late in regulation and couldn’t continue into the extra period. ESPN’s Adam Schefter diagnosed it as a low-grade high ankle sprain, though even the “low-grade” classification doesn’t diminish that these injuries demand substantial rest and healing time.​

The second-year wideout has demonstrated steady progress throughout his recovery over the past three weeks. He sat out all practice work before the Week 10 divisional matchup with Houston and got ruled out that Friday.​

Week 11 marked a turning point when Thomas returned to practice, logging three straight limited sessions leading up to the Chargers game. Despite that encouraging development, Jacksonville opted for caution and kept him out another week.​

Last week brought more of the same pattern, with Thomas recording limited participation all three days before the Cardinals contest. The consistency of his limited work suggested he was nearing clearance, but the Jaguars continued their patient approach and held him out for a third straight game.​

On Sunday morning, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Thomas is expected to return in Week 13. Pelissero noted Thomas is getting close to full health after participating in limited fashion throughout last week. The report indicates there’s a “good chance” he suits up against the division-rival Titans.​

High ankle sprains notoriously linger and hamper a player’s cutting and acceleration abilities. These injuries undermine the push-off mechanism that’s essential for receivers who depend on explosive breaks and precise route execution. Jacksonville’s measured approach throughout his recovery indicates they’d rather wait for complete health than risk aggravation by rushing him back prematurely.​

Thomas Fantasy Outlook

During Thomas’ three-game absence, Parker Washington has mostly capitalized on the opportunity. He’s hit 17.0 fantasy points or more in three of his last four games, earning at least seven targets in those three contests.

Jakobi Meyers has seen his involvement increase. He’s see in six targets in consecutive games, catching his first touchdown of the season last week against the Cardinals.

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Nevertheless, when Thomas returns, he should immediately reclaim his spot as the unquestioned top target. His comeback will reduce Meyers’ share while further diminishing Washington’s already minimal involvement.

Thomas has flashed big-play capability when available, though consistency has eluded him this season as he’s caught only 50 percent of his targets with seven drops through eight games.​