The Jacksonville Jaguars may be without one of their key offensive weapons on Monday night after wide receiver Christian Kirk went down with an injury. What happened to Kirk, and what’s his current injury status?
Christian Kirk Injury Update
Kirk hauled in a 26-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence on the Jaguars’ first offensive play of Week 13, but he stayed down on the field after the reception and was in clear pain.
While he was able to leave the field under his own power, Kirk was limping significantly. He avoided the blue medical tent on Jacksonville’s sideline, instead heading straight to the club’s locker room.
Christian Kirk was forced to the locker room after making this catch. pic.twitter.com/PQIORud0l8
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 5, 2023
The Jaguars initially listed Kirk as questionable to return with a groin injury but subsequently ruled him out at the start of the third quarter.
On Tuesday, head coach Doug Pederson said Kirk has a core muscle injury and will miss time. Jacksonville has already ruled him out for Week 14.
Losing Kirk for any period will represent a tremendous blow to the Jaguars’ offense, as the 27-year-old is in the midst of another excellent season. Kirk, who inked a four-year deal with Jacksonville in 2022 after spending the first four years of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, ranks first among Jaguars pass catchers in yards (761) and second in receptions (56).
Lawrence still has Calvin Ridley, Zay Jones, and TE Evan Engram at his disposal, but Kirk’s absence creates a void in the slot, where he spends roughly 70% of his time. Sixth-round rookie Parker Washington and veteran Tim Jones are candidates to see action inside with Kirk sidelined.
Jacksonville also played more 12 personnel (two tight ends) when Zay Jones was out with a knee injury earlier this year. If Kirk misses time, the Jaguars could lean back into that personnel grouping, with TE Luke Farrell playing alongside Engram.
Fantasy Fallout From Kirk’s Injury
The Jaguars’ passing offense hasn’t been at full strength for most of the season and may be a bit short-handed for the remainder of their Monday Night Football matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals after Kirk sustained an injury on Jacksonville’s first offensive snap.
If Kirk misses any time during the near future, Zay Jones would likely see the biggest bump in weekly usage with Ridley maintaining his leading role. Kirk entered the night as the WR30 in PPR formats. His absence could also have a slightly negative impact on Lawrence.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate