The Jacksonville Jaguars are poised for a potential playoff boost as they anticipate the return of wide receiver Christian Kirk alongside quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the upcoming crucial game. Kirk, who had been on injured reserve due to a groin injury suffered on December 4, has been reinstated to the active roster following a week of practice. While his participation in the game is not guaranteed, his return signifies a positive development for the team.
Kirk played a pivotal role as Lawrence’s primary target last season, contributing significantly to the Jaguars’ AFC South title win. Despite the addition of Calvin Ridley this season, Kirk remained a key figure in the passing game, accumulating 82 targets in 11 games before his injury, surpassing Ridley’s 76. His standout performance last season included career-highs with 84 receptions, 1,108 yards, and eight touchdowns, making his absence felt this season.
The Jaguars experienced a noticeable decline in scoring without Kirk, averaging 18.0 points per game compared to their earlier average of 23.8 points per game. Despite Lawrence’s absence in the previous week, the team managed to score 26 points.
Facing a crucial matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars aim to secure the AFC South for the second consecutive season. While a loss would still leave playoff possibilities open, it would necessitate additional losses by Pittsburgh and Denver to secure the AFC’s No. 7 seed.
Reports from the NFL Network indicate Lawrence’s eagerness to play on Sunday, focusing more on pain management than the risk of further injury after missing his first career game last week. If both Lawrence and Kirk are active, the Jaguars’ quest for consecutive division titles becomes more achievable, potentially marking their first back-to-back playoff appearances since 1999.
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