The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Week 17 with questions surrounding their offensive line. They ruled out right guard Patrick Mekari and listed center Robert Hainsey as questionable for the rematch against the Indianapolis Colts. To make matters worse, offensive tackle Anton Harrison’s availability was suddenly in question just hours before the game.
The good news is that Harrison will suit up for the divisional bout. However, the Jags will be without Hainsey and Mekari when they face off against the rival Colts.
The Jaguars will be without starters Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey
Just before the game, the Jags added Anton Harrison to the status report with an illness. He was ultimately good to go, but Hainsey won’t suit up but took part in warmups and tried to give it a go before the game. He suffered a groin injury in the win over the Denver Broncos. Then again, his absence was expected, and rookie Jonah Monheim will get the starting nod at center.
Monheim, a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft, has gotten playing time at center and guard this season. He’s generally fared well, and when asked about it, head coach Liam Coen would be up to the challenge if called upon.
On the other hand, Walker Little will fill in for Mekari at right guard. He replaced him in the lineup in the Broncos game when he left with a back injury. Little was the starting left tackle to start the season but was phased out in favor of Cole Van Lanen. That said, he held his own when he stepped in at right guard in Week 16.
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Having Anton Harrison is huge for the Jaguars
Even though the Jaguars will miss Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey, having Anton Harrison around for the Colts game is huge. Had he not suited up, the team would have probably had to turn to backup Chuma Edoga, who has struggled when he’s gotten playing time this season.
With Harrison in the mix, though, the Jaguars will have a bit of consistency against Indianapolis. In fact, their starting lineup will be the same one that finished the game against the Colts. When you factor in that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner won’t suit up, Jacksonville will be in a favorable position to dominate the line of scrimmage.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars have no excuses to dispose of the Colts. Doing so will allow them to keep up in the race for the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC.