The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to make their primetime debut for the 2024 season, taking the field under the lights this Monday night against the formidable Buffalo Bills.
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NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that Engram is expected to miss the game due to a hamstring injury, as confirmed by head coach Doug Pederson.
Jaguars TE Evan Engram is unlikely to play Monday vs. Bills with hamstring injury, per HC Doug Pederson.
RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) & LT Cam Robinson (knee) will play. DB Darnell Savage (quad) is still TBD.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 21, 2024
Fortunately for the Jaguars, they will have running back Tank Bigsby, who’s overcoming a shoulder injury, and left tackle Cam Robinson, who has been pushing through a knee issue.
Engram’s absence follows a missed Week 2 due to injury during warmups, making it a challenging start for him as he recovers from a hamstring strain sustained before their matchup against the Browns.
Coach Pederson commented that Engram “is a little bit further away,” with confirmation coming Saturday that he won’t be available for Monday’s game.
To fill Engram’s shoes, backup tight end Brenton Strange will step in, fresh off a 65-yard performance with three catches last week.
The Jaguars are in a precarious position sitting at 0-2; a loss would mean a daunting road ahead for their hopes of winning the AFC South and securing a playoff spot. The offense is sensing Engram’s absence, as he’s been a key asset for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Engram had a stellar season in 2023, registering 114 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl nod in the process. So far, he has only managed one catch for five yards this season.
Originally drafted by the New York Giants in 2017, Engram moved to Jacksonville in 2022 on a one-year, $9 million deal. He later secured a three-year contract worth $41.25 million with $24 million guaranteed, entering the second year of that deal now.