Brian Thomas Jr: Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is reportedly not expected to play in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to the latest Brian Thomas Jr injury update shared by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The rookie receiver continues to deal with an ankle injury suffered in Week 9 and has been unable to return to full health.
Thomas Jr. was listed as questionable on Jacksonville’s final injury report but will now miss his second consecutive game. He remained limited in all three practices this week, signaling that the Jaguars are choosing caution as he continues to recover.
Despite his inconsistency at times, Brian Thomas Jr. has shown flashes of elite playmaking ability. He has logged 30 receptions for 420 yards and one touchdown, averaging an impressive 14 yards per catch. However, he has caught just 51% of his 59 targets, with occasional drops reported by PFF. His explosive downfield speed has been a key element in Jacksonville’s offense when healthy.
Jaguars’ Offensive Adjustments Without Thomas
With Thomas out, the Jaguars will rely on Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers to fill the WR1 and WR2 roles. Washington has seen a major increase in snaps in recent weeks, while Meyers—acquired at the trade deadline—continues to carve out his role in Doug Pederson’s system.
Tim Patrick and Dyami Brown are expected to rotate for the third receiver spot, with Patrick slightly out-snapping Brown in last week’s matchup.
Depth Tested Amid Other Injuries
The Jaguars’ depth chart has taken a significant hit with the season-ending loss of rookie Travis Hunter. Without Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., the offense loses two physical, vertical threats, forcing a shift toward more structured, short-yardage plays and two-tight-end formations.
How It Affects Jacksonville’s Game Plan vs. Chargers
The absence of Thomas Jr. affects Jacksonville’s ability to generate explosive plays. His vertical stretch capability forces defenses to back off—an element the team will miss against a Chargers defense ranking in the lower third of the league in passing yards allowed.
Expect Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and running back screen plays to feature prominently in the Week 11 game plan as quarterback Trevor Lawrence looks to maintain rhythm.
As confirmed in the latest Brian Thomas Jr news, the rookie receiver will remain sidelined for Week 11, marking another setback for Jacksonville’s passing attack. The Jaguars must rely on depth, quick passing, and smart play design as they enter a pivotal AFC matchup without one of their top offensive weapons.