NFL Overreactions Week 9
USAT’s Prince Grimes breaks down the biggest storylines from NFL Week 9.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are already dealing with an injury to one of their top receivers, rookie Travis Hunter. Is Brian Thomas Jr. also in danger of missing time?
Thomas suffered an ankle injury in the Jaguars’ 30-29 Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. While the second-year wide-out was able to finish the game, his status moving forward is presently in question.
The Jaguars swinging a deal for Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers ahead of the NFL trade deadline only served to further cast doubt on Thomas’ availability.
Here’s what to know about Thomas’ injury and whether it will cause him to miss time.
Brian Thomas Jr. injury update
Thomas is dealing with a high-ankle sprain, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The good news for Jaguars fans? It is of the “low-grade” variety and Schefter reports Thomas “has a chance to play” in Week 10 against the Houston Texans.
The Jaguars will not release a practice report until Wednesday, but Thomas’ status at that session will bear watching. If he is a “full” participant, that will signal he is on track to play in Week 10. A “limited” or “did not participate” tag would imply he might be in danger of missing this week’s game.
Thomas has played in all eight of the Jaguars’ games to date but played a season-low 65% of the offensive snaps in Week 9 against the Raiders. He leads the team in targets (60), catches (30) and receiving yards (420), though he has yet to post a touchdown in 2025.
Jaguars WR depth chart
Thomas is one of five wide receivers currently on Jacksonville’s 53-man roster. Below is the projected pecking order within the unit.
Brian Thomas Jr.Jakobi MeyersParker WashingtonDyami BrownTim Patrick
If Thomas can’t play in Week 10, Meyers would be thrust into a big role with the team almost immediately. He and Washington would likely serve as the team’s top two receivers, though Brown could ultimately play ahead of Meyers if the veteran isn’t able to quickly get up to speed on Liam Coen’s offense.
The Jaguars would also be without their typical top-two receivers if Thomas needs to miss time with his ankle injury. Hunter is on injured reserve (IR) after suffering a non-contact knee injury in practice. He isn’t expected to be sidelined long-term by the malady, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, but he will not be eligible to return to action until Week 13 at the earliest.
Jacksonville also has three receivers on its practice squad – Austin Trammell, Tim Jones and Chandler Brayboy – and will likely call up at least one for Sunday’s game. Trammell got the nod for the Jaguars in Week 9.