The prospects of Luke Joeckel returning to the Jaguars later this season after a stay on IR dimmed considerably Wednesday. Joeckel will undergo a knee surgery to repair a “major” MCL injury, a torn meniscus and possible ACL tear, Chris Mortetnsen of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter).
Placed on IR on Tuesday, the fourth-year player was believed to be a candidate to return this season. This surgery could well put a halt to that and send him into free agency on a low note.
The Jaguars passed on the former No. 2 overall pick’s fifth-year option in May, making this season a pivotal one for the formerly maligned tackle-turned-guard. Pro Football Focus rated Joeckel as its No. 44 guard through four games. That’s better than the site’s impression of him as a tackle, but the small sample size at guard could still could Joeckel’s position future if he hits the market in March.
He’d still worked at tackle extensively this year due to Kelvin Beachum‘s injury problems. Joeckel started 39 games for the Jags since entering the league in 2013.
Third-year player Patrick Omameh could step into Joeckel’s spot between Joeckel and center Brandon Linder. He’s started a game for the Jags this season and is the only player standing between the former Texas A&M standout and two UDFAs on the depth chart.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.