Travon Walker, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ standout defensive end and the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has returned to practice with a club on his injured left wrist. His involvement on Saturday raises hopes for his return. Will he return as soon as this coming week, with next Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs?
Walker broke his wrist in Week 4’s 26-21 win over the San Francisco 49ers. It was announced that he has had damage repaired on Friday. He had cancer surgery earlier this week to remove. Walker did what he was supposed to do and missed Thursday and Friday practices. That put his availability into doubt for the all-important matchup with the Chiefs. His absence on Saturday, while limited, is indicative of a big step forward in his recovery.
Walker has been one of the Jaguars most important players this season. Ever since his arrival last year, he’s had a huge, if not immediate impact on the team’s defensive line. He’s tied for second on the team with two sacks so far this season. On top of all that, he’s logged four QB hits, totaled 12 tackles and even recorded one pass breakup. His presence on the field could be crucial as the Jaguars aim to secure a victory against a formidable opponent.
Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam Coen said that the team will be monitoring Walker’s situation on an ongoing basis. They will decide on his availability for Sunday’s game right up until game time.
“We’re going to go right down to the wire with it,” – Liam Coen
Coen got into more detail about Walker’s situation, stressing that minimizing the swelling in his wrist will be key.
“It’s just as much as he can keep getting the swelling down and all that stuff. So I trust that if he says he can go, then we’ll go.” – Liam Coen
The decision to allow Walker to play will depend on his ability to demonstrate readiness and comfort with his injury during pre-game evaluations. For their part, the Jaguars—and their fans—are riding high! They’re counting on Walker to do big things when the rematch most exciting game of the year against high-flying Kansas City comes calling.
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