Michael DiRoccoESPN Staff Writer November 27, 2023, 4:21 PM ET2 minutes read
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars placed left tackle Cam Robinson on injured reserve Monday because of a left knee injury, potentially ending his season and possibly even his time with the franchise.
Coach Doug Pederson had said earlier in the afternoon that Robinson would undergo further testing and the team would monitor him over the next few days to see how he feels when the Jaguars resume their practice schedule on Thursday. Instead, Robinson goes on IR and must miss at least four games.
The earliest Robinson could return is Dec. 31 at home against the Carolina Panthers.
Third-year player Walker Little will take over the left tackle position. Ezra Cleveland, who the Jaguars acquired via trade at the deadline, will start at left guard. Little started Sunday’s game at left guard but moved to left tackle after Robinson’s injury.
The Jaguars promoted offensive lineman Chandler Brewer from the practice squad to replace Robinson on the active roster and signed offensive lineman Keaton Sutherland and Jimmy Murray to the practice squad.
Robinson injured his left knee late in the first quarter of the Jaguars’ 24-21 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday at NRG Stadium. He pointed to his left knee as medical staff reached him on the field. He finally walked away under his own power, but slammed his helmet shut in frustration before entering the blue medical tent. He was later seen sitting on the bench, visibly upset, with a towel over his head, but remained on the sidelines for the rest of the game.
It’s the same knee Robinson injured in 2018, when he tore his ACL in Week 2 and missed the rest of the season. Robinson also missed the final three games of the 2022 regular season and both playoff games after suffering a right knee injury.
Robinson was suspended for the first four games of this season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs and Little started at left tackle in his place.
Sunday’s game could have been Robinson’s final game in a Jaguars uniform if he is unable to return from IR this season. His contract runs through 2024, but his salary cap hit is $22.75 million. He is not eligible for guaranteed money and the team would save $17.75 million if they cut him after this season.
The Jaguars have $30 million in cap space in 2024, according to the Roster Management System, but the team has publicly expressed interest in signing quarterback Trevor Lawrence to a long-term contract extension and must also address outside linebacker Josh’s contract situation Allen has 12 sacks and is three away from breaking the franchise single-season record (14.5). He’s playing on his fifth-year option and the Jaguars could negotiate an extension or be forced to use the franchise tag on him.
The Jaguars also have to figure out what to do with receiver Calvin Ridley, who they acquired from the Atlanta Falcons last season and who is also playing on his fifth-year option.