Evan Engram is set to miss his third consecutive game while he continues to nurse a hamstring injury, as the Jaguars have already ruled out their tight end for tomorrow’s game against the Texans. Fortunately, it doesn’t sound like the player will be sidelined for much longer. Speaking to reporters yesterday, coach Doug Pederson said “next week looks promising” regarding Engram’s potential return (via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco).
Considering the optimistic outlook, Engram also isn’t a candidate for injured reserve, according to Pederson (via CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones). That move would keep Engram off the field until at least Week 8.
Engram suffered his injury while warming up for Jacksonville’s Week 2 matchup with the Browns. The veteran tight end proceeded to miss both Week 2 and Week 3, marking his first absences since he joined the Jaguars ahead of the 2022 campaign. The former Giants first-round pick was limited to only a five-yard catch during the season opener, but the Jaguars are surely hoping he can eventually provide a spark to the offense. Engram is coming off a career year in 2023 where he hauled in 114 catches for 963 yards and four touchdowns.
With Engram out of the lineup, Brenton Strange has stepped up as the team’s TE1. The 2023 second-round pick has collected five receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown this season. Luke Farrell has climbed the depth chart to the TE2 role, while Josiah Deguara had a brief Week 3 cameo as the team’s third tight end.