On Monday, the Jacksonville Jaguars got a boost as star wide receiver Christian Kirk returned to the practice field
Kirk missed the last two weeks of practice and the final two games of the preseason while nursing a mild calf injury. He is set to return to his starting role in the slot for Duval, a role that was primarily dominated by Parker Washington during his absence.
“Yeah, we’ll get him back out there and get him rolling," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Monday.
Kirk should be good to go for the Jaguars Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on September 8th in Hard Rock Stadium.
In 2022, Kirk cemented himself as the No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville after signing a four-year, $72 million deal with $37 million guaranteed. In that same season, he started all 17 regular season games, totaling 84 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. Kirk also snagged 15 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns in two playoff games.
Kirk entered the 2023 season looking to build on his 2022 campaign; a core muscle injury that required surgery sidelined him for the final five games. Before suffering the injury, he appeared in the first 12 games, totaling 57 receptions for 787 yards and three touchdowns.
"I think having him, the player he is and the position he plays, the communication between a slot receiver like him and myself, the quarterback, that's important on the field and that chemistry you see out there," quarterback Trevor Lawrence said earlier this month.
"But I think it also ties into our relationship off the field and that's helped us be better on the field. Just being able to trust him. He's a pro, he does everything the right way ever since he's been here, so I've always respected that. We've hit it off personally, off the field, and become really good friends, too, so that always makes it easier. There are more important things in life than football."
Christian Kirk is expected to play a pivotal role in the Jaguars' offensive scheme again in 2024. The additions of free agent Gabe Davis and first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. brought a needed mix of archetypes to the Pederson offense, Kirk is the grizzled vet in that room and brings needed experience to a new cast of talent.
The Jaguars will travel to South Beach for its 2024 season opener vs the Miami Dolphins on September 8th at 12:00 EST