Brian Thomas Jr. Injury Update: Will Jaguars’ Rookie WR Play in Week 10 vs. Texans?

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. remains uncertain for Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans after missing his second straight practice on Thursday. The rookie standout is recovering from a low-grade high ankle sprain suffered in the Week 9 overtime win against the Las Vegas Raiders.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Thomas Jr. “still has a chance to play this week,” but his continued absence from team drills raises concern as the Jaguars finalize preparations for Sunday’s divisional showdown.

Thomas Jr.’s Practice Status and Injury Timeline

Thomas Jr. initially sustained the ankle injury during the second half of the Raiders game when he appeared to twist his right ankle after a contested catch along the sideline. Despite finishing the drive, he did not return for the remainder of the overtime period. The Jaguars listed him as “did not practice” on both Wednesday and Thursday, leaving Friday’s final injury report as the key indicator of his Week 10 availability.

The former LSU receiver has been one of Jacksonville’s most dynamic playmakers this season, amassing 420 receiving yards and one touchdown on 30 receptions. However, his 51% catch rate and seven dropped passes have also highlighted his inconsistency as a rookie learning curve continues.

With Travis Hunter already on injured reserve, the Jaguars are short-handed at wide receiver. The team is also working to integrate Jakobi Meyers, who was recently acquired and is expected to debut Sunday if Thomas Jr. cannot go. Meanwhile, Tim Patrick (groin) and Dyami Brown (concussion) were both full participants in practice on Thursday, providing depth options for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Potential Impact on Jaguars’ Offense

If Thomas Jr. misses the game, expect the Jaguars to rely more heavily on Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram in the passing attack. Rookie running back Trey Benson could also see expanded usage in short-yardage and red-zone situations to offset the potential loss of vertical threat.

The Jaguars currently sit near the top of the AFC South standings, and every game down the stretch could determine playoff seeding. Losing Thomas Jr., who stretches defenses and opens space underneath, would limit Jacksonville’s explosive play capability against a Texans defense ranked among the league’s best in pass coverage efficiency.

For now, Thomas Jr.’s status remains day-to-day. Friday’s practice will be decisive in determining whether he travels with the team or is held out as a precaution to avoid aggravating the injury heading into the crucial final stretch of the season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Brian Thomas Jr.’s injury?

He is dealing with a low-grade high ankle sprain suffered in Week 9 against the Raiders.

Q2: Did Brian Thomas Jr. practice this week?

No, he missed both Wednesday and Thursday practices. His status for Friday remains key.

Q3: Will Brian Thomas Jr. play against the Texans?

It’s uncertain. ESPN reports he still has a chance, depending on his Friday participation.

Q4: Who will replace Brian Thomas Jr. if he’s out?

Jakobi Meyers, Tim Patrick, and Dyami Brown are expected to share reps at wide receiver.

Q5: How has Brian Thomas Jr. performed this season?

He has 420 yards, one touchdown, and averages 14.0 yards per catch through nine games.