Jacksonville, Fla. – During Tuesday’s joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. suffered a brief shoulder scare that kept him out of the remainder of the session. The 23‑year‑old landed on his shoulder on the first play of the 11‑on‑11 drill, prompting trainers to assess the injury.
After a quick look, Thomas returned for one more snap before the coaching staff decided to sit him on the sideline for the rest of the practice. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen addressed the situation, saying, “I think he’s all right, just fell on his shoulder. Holding him out was smart. Get him ready for Cleveland in the season opener on Sept. 13.”
Thomas’ recent performance and injury history
Thomas enjoyed a breakout rookie season in 2024, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and ten touchdowns after being selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His production helped the Jaguars’ passing attack and earned him a reputation as a reliable deep threat.
Last season, however, Thomas faced challenges. He tied for second in the league with ten drops, missed three games, and posted 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns. The recent shoulder incident appears unrelated to those earlier issues, and there are no reports of lingering pain or structural damage.
Preparing for the season opener
Coach Coen’s decision to err on the side of caution reflects the team’s emphasis on player health heading into the 2026 season. The Jaguars open their campaign against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 13, and keeping Thomas healthy is a priority for the offense.
Thomas’ status will be monitored through the team’s medical staff, with an update expected before the next practice. If cleared, he is expected to resume his role in the receiving corps, providing a key target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Impact on the Jaguars’ offense
Thomas’ speed and route‑running ability make him a valuable asset in Jacksonville’s aerial attack. His presence forces defenses to respect the deep ball, opening up underneath routes for other receivers. A fully healthy Thomas could help the Jaguars improve upon a 2025 season that fell short of expectations.
The Jaguars remain focused on building continuity and depth at the wide receiver position. Alongside fellow receivers Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones, Thomas is part of a group that aims to elevate Jacksonville’s offense in the competitive AFC South.
Looking ahead
While the shoulder scare was a brief setback, the coaching staff’s proactive approach underscores the importance of player safety. Fans can look forward to seeing Thomas back in action soon, contributing to a Jaguars team that hopes to make a deep playoff run.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
