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 The Jacksonville Jaguars Lose a Former All-Pro to the IR Before Week 11 Matchup vs. Titans
Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Special teams are often overlooked, but the Jacksonville Jaguars may miss the advantage it presents over the next month. Jamal Agnew, a first-team All-Pro punt returner in 2017 with Detroit, has hit the IR due to a shoulder injury. For at least their next four games, Parker Washington will be asked to step up in Agnew’s absence.

A fifth-round pick out of San Diego in the 2017 NFL Draft, Jamal Agnew has spent his entire career as a return man. He has four career punt return touchdowns and another two on kick returns. Agnew earned a Pro Bowl nod as a Jaguar last season despite not finding the end zone.

Agnew hasn’t scored for Jacksonville this season, but he’s putting together another solid campaign. Among players with at least five kick returns, Jamal Agnew gains the second-most yards per return. Out of the players that have tried to take back at least 10 punts, Agnew’s average yards per return ranks eighth in the NFL. He’s also added 88 yards of offense this season, albeit with his lone fumble of the year.

What Lies Ahead for the Jacksonville Jaguars Without Jamal Agnew

Even losing a strong special teams player, the Jacksonville Jaguars can’t let up as they pursue another division title. They were dismantled 34-3 by the 49ers last week, so their AFC South lead has dwindled to one game. Jacksonville has another home game on Sunday, this time against the Tennessee Titans.

After that, the Jags have a key rematch with the Houston Texans in Week 12. Houston is in second place right now and beat Jacksonville in Week 3. That road contest may be the most important of the Jaguars’ season. Agnew has to miss at least two more games after Houston, which would be against Cincinnati and Cleveland. Hopefully, Agnew’s absence won’t hurt Jacksonville too much during this pivotal stretch.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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