Jaguars return man Jaydon Mickens is expected to miss four-to-six weeks after fracturing his ankle against the Cowboys on Sunday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Mickens, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2016, joined Jacksonville’s practice squad last September but ultimately spent 10 games on the club’s active roster. While he wasn’t much of an offensive contributor (six receptions, 77 yards), Mickens was the Jaguars’ primary punt returner, as he averaged 10.6 yards per return and scored one touchdown. This year, Mickens had also led Jacksonville in kick returns with six.
Receiver Dede Westbrook took over as the Jaguars’ punt returner after Mickens went down, while fellow pass-catcher D.J. Chark was in the endzone for kickoffs (although Cowboys kicker Brett Maher posted only touchbacks following Mickens’ injury). Backup running back Corey Grant has historically contributed in the return game, but he’s on injured reserve.
Given Mickens’ projected recovery timeline (and his limited role overall), the Jaguars will likely place him on injured reserve. Mickens would be allowed to return after an eight-game absence.