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Jaguars Say Brian Thomas Jr. Will Play Despite Shoulder Issue

Coen plans to limit Thomas in practice to protect his shoulder and preserve his availability for Sunday’s game in Denver.

Overview

  • Thomas left Jacksonville’s Week 1 game with a shoulder injury after making three catches for 40 yards and returned before halftime during the 34-10 win over Cleveland.
  • Head coach Liam Coen told reporters the team will keep Thomas limited in practice this week but he fully expects Thomas to be able to play in Week 2 at Denver.
  • The club described the injury as non-urgent and precautionary, with coaches opting for conservative use late in the blowout game rather than risking further contact.
  • Thomas passed a milestone in the game, surpassing 2,000 career receiving yards, even as his shoulder history from college and 2025 makes the team’s cautious approach notable.
  • The injury could affect short-term snap splits—Travis Hunter briefly filled some of Thomas’s reps in Week 1—so the Jaguars’ receiver rotation and Hunter’s two-way role are items to watch this week.