The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to welcome back tight end Brenton Strange, who has successfully completed a six-week recovery from a hip and quadriceps injury that had sidelined him. Strange had been placed on the Injured Reserve list after suffering the injury during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in week five, missing five games in total.
This week, Strange participated in limited practice sessions as he readies himself to rejoin the team. However, it remains uncertain whether he will have any restrictions on his playing time or snap counts, as he did not participate in full practices. His return is particularly significant for the Jaguars’ offensive strategies, providing them with the depth needed to potentially implement more three-tight-end formations, known as 13 personnel packages, rather than relying solely on sets with six offensive linemen.
Strange’s reintegration into the lineup comes at a time when the Jaguars’ running game is gaining momentum. The team recently showcased a robust performance on the ground, amassing 192 rushing yards against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. As a highly regarded second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Strange had been making a name for himself as one of the NFL’s promising young all-around tight ends, praised for his impressive blocking skills.
In his brief tenure with the Jaguars, Strange has appeared in 36 games over three seasons, steadily increasing his role within the team, particularly following the departure of former starting tight end Evan Engram. Before his injury, he had emerged as a key receiver, leading the team’s tight ends with 20 receptions on 24 targets and accumulating 204 receiving yards, averaging 10.2 yards per catch.
With Brenton Strange back on the field, the Jaguars will be looking to enhance their offensive dynamics further as they aim for continued success in the season. His presence is likely to provide valuable support in both the passing and run-blocking departments, helping to solidify the team’s competitive edge.