The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for a pivotal AFC South clash against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14, but they’ll likely be without one of their emerging playmakers. Wide receiver Parker Washington is listed as questionable with a hip injury and is expected to be inactive for Sunday’s game.
Washington, a sixth-round pick in 2023, has carved out a meaningful role in Jacksonville’s offense this season. He’s appeared in all 12 games, hauling in 36 receptions on 63 targets for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Beyond his contributions as a pass-catcher, he’s been electric in the return game, already taking two punts to the house - a rare spark that’s added a new dimension to the Jaguars’ special teams unit.
But the hip issue that limited him to just 24 offensive snaps (38.1%) in Week 13 now threatens to sideline him during one of the most important games of the season. He didn’t practice earlier this week, and all signs point to him sitting out against the Colts.
That’s a tough blow for Jacksonville, especially considering how tight the AFC South race has become. The Jaguars leapfrogged the Colts in the standings last week with a win over the Titans, and this week’s matchup could go a long way in determining who takes control of the division down the stretch.
Fortunately for Jacksonville, they made a timely move at the trade deadline, acquiring veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders. And so far, that deal is paying off.
Meyers has settled in nicely with the Jaguars, posting receiving yard totals of 41, 64, 50, and 90 in his first four games with the team. He’s been targeted 21 times by Trevor Lawrence during that stretch, and what stands out is his consistency - at least six targets in each of the last three games. That kind of volume, especially with Washington sidelined and Brian Thomas Jr. still working his way back from an ankle injury, makes Meyers a key figure in the Jaguars’ passing attack.
Thomas Jr. did return in Week 13, but his availability and effectiveness remain something to monitor. Until he’s fully back in rhythm, Meyers could continue to see a larger share of the workload - particularly in a matchup against a Colts defense that ranks 25th in the league in passing yards allowed this season. That secondary has had its struggles, and with Trevor Lawrence starting to find his groove again, Meyers could be in line for another productive outing.
So while Parker Washington's absence is a setback, the Jaguars have positioned themselves well to weather the storm. With Meyers stepping up and Lawrence distributing the ball with confidence, Jacksonville’s offense still has the tools to make noise in this crucial divisional showdown.