Hold on to your hats, folks. There's a big game tonight as the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-4) visit the Tennessee Titans (3-4). Each team is thirsty for a win, and the AFC South is still wide open. The more hands on deck, the better chance there is of picking up a victory. But will anyone be sidelined in what is a short week for each team? Here’s what we know so far…
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Julius Thomas (ankle; questionable), tight end: Thomas was listed as a limited participant in the Jaguars' walk-through Monday, but since it was a walk-through session and not an actual practice, “limited” is an estimation of his actual condition. On Tuesday, however, when there was real practice, Thomas was a nonparticipant. Only able to do limited work as of Wednesday, Thomas is a true question mark heading into Thursday night’s game. He did play through the ankle injury Sunday but was limited to three receptions for a mere 20 yards. One of those receptions resulted in a touchdown, a pleasing result for fantasy owners, but he has had three games of three receptions or fewer. Thomas also missed a game when the Jaguars played in London in Week 4; he traveled with the team but did not play because of an elbow injury.
There hasn't been a lot of confidence this week that Thomas will take the field, given the short recovery window, but he will have a chance to test his ankle in pregame warm-ups before a final decision is made.
Not on game status injury report
Allen Hurns (neck/shoulder), wide receiver: Hurns was limited at Monday’s walk-through but turned in full practices Tuesday and Wednesday. His practice efforts were enough for him to be removed from the game status injury report, and he is expected to play.
Tennessee Titans
Tajae Sharpe (knee; questionable), wide receiver: Sharpe is listed as questionable after turning in limited practices Tuesday and Wednesday. Sharpe was listed as a nonparticipant for the team’s Monday walk-through. Early this week, coach Mike Mularkey referred to Sharpe’s injury as a knee sprain -- a nonspecific diagnosis -- but never seemed to express much concern about his young receiver’s availability in the long term. Given that this is a short week, recovery is much more challenging, so it’s no surprise that his status will come down to the wire. Expect Sharpe to test his knee in pregame warm-ups to help finalize the decision. It’s worth noting that Sharpe is coming off his second-most productive game this season.
Not on game status injury report
Delanie Walker (chest), tight end: Walker suffered a bruised chest in Sunday’s game and was given a day off Monday to rest and get treatment. Monday’s practice was only a walk-through for the Titans, so Walker’s nonparticipation was just an estimate. He was able to practice in full on back-to-back days Tuesday and Wednesday. His removal from the injury report indicates the Titans expect him on the field Thursday night. Walker led his team in receptions and yardage Sunday; fantasy owners hope this is a sign of things to come as the season progresses.