The Jaguars will be shorthanded to finish the campaign at the tight end spot. Evan Engram is dealing with a torn labrum, and head coach Doug Pederson announced on Friday that he will require season-ending surgery.
Engram missed time early in the season due to a hamstring injury, but since returning he has operated as a key figure in Jacksonville’s passing attack. The 30-year-old has received seven or more targets five times in his nine games played in 2024, and his absence will be felt down the stretch. The Jags are already without starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence and No. 1 receiver Christian Kirk.
Jacksonville sits at 3-10 on the year, and a postseason berth is not possible as a result. Given where the team stands, the blow of losing Engram for the final four games of the campaign will not be as notable as if a playoff push was taking place. ESPN’s Michael DiRocco notes the severity of Engram’s injury was discovered this week when additional testing took place. His attention will now turn to recovery.
One year remains on Engram’s contract, and he is owed a $14.75M base salary for 2025. $1.5M of that total is set to vest early in the new league year, so a decision will need to be made on the team’s part before that point regarding any potential restructure or an extension. Engram has proven to be a valuable acquisition since his arrival in Duval County in 2022, highlighted by his career-best outing last season. The former Giant posted new personal highs in receptions (114) and yards (963), earning his second career Pro Bowl nod as a result. Expectations will remain high for him provided he remains with the Jags for next year.
In the meantime, Jacksonville’s Mac Jones-led offense will move forward with Brenton Strange, Josiah Deguara and Luke Farrell at the tight end spot. The team has matchups against the Jets, Raiders, Titans and Colts to close out the campaign, one which could see changes made on the sidelines and/or in the front office depending in part on how the season’s final stage plays out.
