Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) reacts to a catch being confirmed in favor of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of a preseason matchup Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Report: Jaguars LT Cam Robinson (knee) out 3-6 weeks

Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson will miss 3-6 weeks with a knee injury suffered early in Sunday’s win in Houston, NFL Network reported Monday.

The timeline makes Robinson a candidate for injured reserve, but he is expected to be ready for the playoffs barring any setbacks.

Robinson left the 24-21 victory against the Texans after playing only 12 offensive snaps. He was visibly upset while sitting on the bench.

Robinson, 28, missed the first four games this season for the Jaguars (8-3) while serving an NFL suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

The 2017 second-round pick has started all 82 games he has been on the field for the Jaguars.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) scrambles from Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars stave off Texans, maintain hold on AFC South

Josh Allen came up with 1.5 sacks to headline a strong defensive stand late in the fourth quarter, helping the Jacksonville Jaguars edge the host Houston Texans 24-21 on Sunday afternoon.

Jacksonville (8-3) led 24-14 after Brandon McManus made good on a 53-yard field goal with 11:20 remaining in the game.

But the Texans (6-5) rallied, pulling within three when C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins for a 17-yard touchdown with 5:15 left.

After forcing a punt, Houston took over at its own 11-yard line. Allen dropped Stroud for a loss of 15 yards on the fifth play of the drive, but three plays later, the Texans found themselves at the Jaguars’ 37.

That’s when Allen teamed up with Travon Walker for another sack, this one for a loss of 9. Houston would end up getting to 39, but Matt Ammendola didn’t have enough leg on a 58-yard field goal attempt with 29 seconds to go, allowing Jacksonville to escape with the win.

Trevor Lawrence completed 23 of 38 passes for 364 yards, one touchdown and one interception for the Jaguars, who remained atop the AFC South with the victory. Calvin Ridley had five catches for 89 yards and a TD.

Stroud threw for 304 yards and two TDs on 26-for-36 passing. He also rushed for a team-high 47 yards and a score. Collins finished with seven receptions for 104 yards.

Derek Stingley Jr. shifted momentum in Houston’s favor when he picked off Lawrence on the opening drive of the second half.

Seven plays later, Stroud faked a handoff and rolled out to his right, scoring on the ground from 1 yard out to give the Texans their first lead at 14-13.

Ridley was on the receiving end of a 1-yard TD, then brought in the ensuing pass on a two-point conversion to make it 21-14 Jacksonville with 4:29 left in the third.

The Jaguars went into the break with a 13-7 edge.

Jacksonville jumped out to a 10-0 lead thanks to McManus’ 40-yard field goal in the first quarter and Lawrence’s 1-yard rushing touchdown early in the second.

Following Lawrence’s score, the Texans zipped 75 yards in five plays, pulling within 10-7 when Stroud threw a 7-yard scoring strike to Tank Dell.

McManus provided the Jaguars with a six-point advantage by booting a 48-yard field goal with 2:24 remaining in the first half.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Tank Dell (3) in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

C.J Stroud, Texans put winning streak on line against Jaguars

It’s starting to look like the Houston Texans are ahead of schedule with their rebuild.

Houston is riding a three-game winning streak and will have a chance to take over first place in the AFC South on Sunday when it faces the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars.

After going 11-38 over the previous three seasons, the Texans (6-4) have found a formula for success behind rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive-minded first-year coach DeMeco Ryans, a former Houston linebacker.

With a victory Sunday, the Texans would share the same record as Jacksonville (7-3) while claiming the top spot in the division by nature of a head-to-head tiebreaker. Houston would improve to 2-0 against the Jaguars this season after beating them back on Sept. 24.

However, taking down the Jaguars doesn’t guarantee an AFC South title by any means, so Ryans is more focused on getting his team ready to perform down the stretch.

“I never thought about this point of the season, because I think if you just take care of it one day at a time, then everything else will take care of itself,” Ryans said. “Our focus is continuing to improve, continue to show growth.”

Stroud, the second overall pick in this year’s draft, has thrown for 1,162 yards with nine total touchdowns (eight passing, one rushing) during the Texans’ winning streak. He also has four interceptions during that span, with three coming in last Sunday’s 21-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

The giveaways by Stroud weren’t enough to fluster Houston’s defense, which has vastly improved from a season ago.

During the 2022 campaign, the Texans ranked 30th in total defense (379.5 yards allowed per game) and 27th in scoring defense (24.7 points allowed per game). But under Ryans, Houston ranks 19th (337.9) and 14th (20.8) in those respective categories.

Still, Jacksonville is sure to present a challenge.

The Jaguars have prevailed in six of their past seven games, averaging 28.3 points across the six wins.

Trevor Lawrence took over in Jacksonville’s most recent victory, last weekend’s 34-14 rout of the Tennessee Titans. Lawrence completed 24 of 32 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a pair of scores. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.

Receiver Zay Jones provided a boost for the offense, hauling in four catches for 20 yards while also giving Calvin Ridley (seven receptions, 103 yards, two TDs) and Christian Kirk (three receptions, 48 yards) more room to operate.

Jones had missed the Jaguars’ previous four games due to a knee injury and an arrest, but he’s thrilled to be back, especially with such a big game on deck.

“We know what the implications are as far as our division, and we won’t make it any bigger than that. But we have a healthy respect for what they’re doing in Houston,” Jones said. “We know that we’re gonna have our hands full. … It’s gonna be an exciting matchup.”

That knee injury is still causing some problems for Jones, as he was limited at Wednesday’s practice. Defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris (ankle) was also limited, while cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring) was held out.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr., wide receiver Noah Brown and tackle Laremy Tunsil were among those who didn’t practice for the Texans on Wednesday, and all three are dealing with knee injuries.

Safety Jimmie Ward (hamstring) also was a non-participant, and defensive end Dylan Horton announced that he will be away from the team due to a “personal health matter.”

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) calls a play during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Doug Pederson: Jags’ offense limited by ailing QB Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said one of the reasons the offense has struggled this season is because of quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s knee injury.

“One of the things that we haven’t been able to do because of Trevor’s condition with his knee is just move him a little bit more,” Pederson told reporters Wednesday. “Sometimes, you can create things off of that. He’s been limited that way.

“Play-action pass can be an opportunity to shoot the ball down the field on first or second down, the screen game you’ve seen hit a little bit. Those are ways to create some explosives. Sometimes, just drop back and throw it. Just run past and use your speed on the perimeter. Try to take advantage of that while you’re seeing teams do it in different ways.”

Lawrence, 24, hasn’t missed a game since injuring his knee in a Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, and hasn’t appeared on the Jaguars’ injury report since Week 9.

In last Sunday’s 34-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Jaguars totaled just 221 yards and allowed the 49ers to sack Lawrence five times.

Lawrence, who has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,120 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games, also has six interceptions after throwing just eight last season.

“It’s feeling better,” Lawrence said this week of his knee. “It’s finally getting to where I’m not going to really think about it as much and won’t be as much as an issue. I feel like I’m starting to move pretty fluid and it’s not bothering when I do much. Obviously, it’s still a little bit here or there, it’ll get aggravated.

“But that’s a good question, I’m starting to feel comfortable and I’m happy about that with the progress I’ve made. We’ve been able to protect it the last few weeks and I’m excited to hopefully finally get going and just play normal, move around, all that stuff.”

The AFC South-leading Jaguars (6-3) host the Tennessee Titans (3-6) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jaguars look to ‘right the ship’ in encounter vs. Titans

The Tennessee Titans and Jaguars will be eager to put a tally in the win column on Sunday when they meet in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Jaguars (6-3) saw their five-game winning streak come to a halt with a 34-3 dismantling by the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. Jacksonville surrendered three passing touchdowns to Brock Purdy, while Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence tossed a pair of interceptions and was sacked five times.

“They want to right the ship,” Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday. “Seeing the guys today, they’re obviously disappointed, they’re dejected — not our best performance. You’re only as good as your last game. You put that on tape.

“All our opponents moving forward are going to watch that film and that’s not good. I do think the guys really embraced it. It means something to them, which is good. I’m sure they’ll bounce back.”

The loss to the 49ers marked the first multi-interception game of the season for Lawrence, who has been picked off six times while throwing nine touchdowns through nine games. He’s completed 67.3 percent of his passes this season 2,120 yards.

Lawrence said Wednesday that he’ll continue to wear a brace on his left knee, however his mobility is improving after suffering the injury during the Jaguars’ win over the Colts on Oct. 15.

“I’m starting to feel comfortable and I’m happy about the progress I’ve made,” Lawrence said. “We’ve been able to protect it the last few weeks. I’m excited to, hopefully, finally kind of get going and just play normal, move around, all that stuff.”

The Titans (3-6) have lost back-to-back games, falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a pair of road games.

Against Tampa Bay last Sunday, Tennessee failed to get its running game going as Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears combined for just 42 rushing yards. Rookie Will Levis, in his third start, completed just 19 of 39 passes for 199 yards and an interception.

“We know how much the (division) games count,” Levis said ahead of facing the first-place Jaguars. “Obviously, every game is going to be a bloodbath, but it just seems like, for those division games, you have to step up and bring your best to the table or you’re going to get kicked in the mouth.”

The Titans seem to be getting a bit healthier ahead of their first meeting of the season with the Jaguars.

Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (hand) and offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (ankle) both returned to practice on Wednesday. Wideout Treylon Burks and offensive lineman Andre Dillard were held out of practice again, as both players are in concussion protocol.

For the Jaguars, wideout Jamal Agnew (shoulder, ribs) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring) didn’t practice Wednesday. Wide receiver Zay Jones, who was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge Monday, was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. It’s unclear if Jones will play Sunday.

“It’s still ongoing, fact finding, information gathering, things of that nature,” Pederson said. “Quite honestly, until we hear something, it’s day-to-day for him.”

Jacksonville won both of its meetings with Tennessee last season.

The Jaguars will visit the Titans on Jan. 7 in the regular-season finale.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; San Fransisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) spikes the ball after a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

49ers extinguish losing streak by routing Jaguars

Brock Purdy passed for 296 yards and three touchdowns and Deebo Samuel scored once in his return from injury as the San Francisco 49ers pounded the host Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3 on Sunday afternoon.

George Kittle caught three passes for 116 yards and a touchdown and Brandon Aiyuk and Kyle Juszczyk also had scoring receptions for the 49ers (6-3), who halted a three-game losing streak. Talanoa Hufanga and Fred Warner had interceptions and Nick Bosa and Ambry Thomas forced fumbles.

Trevor Lawrence passed for 185 yards and two interceptions for Jacksonville (6-3), which had a five-game winning streak snapped. Christian Kirk had six catches for 104 yards for the Jaguars, who were outgained 437-221.

Chase Young made his San Francisco debut after recently being acquired from the Washington Commanders. He recorded half a sack in his reunion with former Ohio State teammate Bosa, who had 1 1/2 sacks and recovered a fumble from his strip-sack of Lawrence.

Christian McCaffrey accounted for 142 yards (95 rushing, 47 receiving) but failed to score a touchdown. That ended his streak at 17 consecutive games, counting the playoffs, to remain tied for the record set by Hall of Famer Lenny Moore (1963-64).

Samuel missed the past three games with a shoulder injury. He had four receptions for 30 yards and 29 yards on the ground.

San Francisco led by 10 at halftime and struck for more on the second offensive play of the second half.

On second-and-1, Kittle easily beat Jacksonville’s Devin Lloyd off the line and was wide open. Purdy connected with him and Kittle completed a 66-yard scoring play that gave the 49ers a 20-3 advantage.

The Jaguars were threatening to score 8 1/2 minutes later when Lawrence hit Kirk on a short pass. But San Francisco’s Thomas stripped Kirk of the ball, recovered it at the 8-yard line and realized he wasn’t touched.

Thomas got up and navigated 92 yards for an apparent touchdown but the score was nullified due to unsportsmanlike conduct. During the confusion, three 49ers entered the field of play to draw a flag and San Francisco started on its own 19.

However, the 49ers got that touchdown back with a seven-play, 81-yard drive. Samuel finished it off with a 23-yard reverse to make it 27-3 with 1:20 remaining in the third quarter.

Purdy hit a wide-open Juszczyk on a 22-yard score with 12:40 left in the game as the 49ers beat Jacksonville for the fifth straight time.

San Francisco led 13-3 at halftime on Purdy’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Aiyuk and two Jake Moody field goals. The Jaguars received a field goal from Brandon McManus.

–Field Level Media

Aug 16, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, United States;  Jacksonville Jaguars corner back D.J. Hayden (25) walks down the field  during training camp drills at the Dream Finders Homes training facility. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL CB D.J. Hayden among 6 dead in car accident

Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was among six people killed in Houston early Saturday morning after a car sped through a red light and caused a collision with another vehicle. He was 33.

Per Houston police, four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two more perished after being taken to a local hospital. Police noted that five males — including former University of Houston cornerback Zach McMillian, Hayden’s teammate — and one female were among the fatalities.

A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made national headlines after a collision in practice caused a tear in his heart. He was discharged from the hospital a week later and was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 92 career games (41 starts) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20) and Washington Commanders (2021).

–Field Level Media

September 21, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) carries the football during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder) set to return for 49ers vs. Jaguars

San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel is slated to be back on the field when the 49ers visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Samuel missed the past three games due to a hairline fracture in his shoulder. He practiced in full all week and was not given an injury status on Friday.

The 49ers (5-3) lost all three games without their versatile star and scored just 17 points in each of them.

“Anytime you’re not part of the game, it’s kind of hard but I have kind of been there before,” Samuel told reporters. “It’s just another game, not trying to do nothing crazy, just go out there and do what I do.”

Samuel has caught 20 passes for 302 yards and one touchdown in six games this season. He also had rushed for 95 yards and one score on 18 carries.

The fifth-year pro’s best season was in 2021 when he established career bests of 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 365 yards and eight scores. He was a Pro Bowl selection that season.

Star left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is questionable after being a limited practice participant the past two days.

Williams, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, has missed the past two games.

“I think he’s real questionable to be plain,” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said. “That’s what my eyes see too. We have tomorrow too, tomorrow is Saturday. If it’s not tomorrow, we’ll wait until game time.”

Nose tackle Javon Hargrave (knee) is questionable after he felt soreness during the week.

Defensive end Drake Jackson (knee) and guard Aaron Banks (toe) were ruled out for the 49ers.

As for the Jaguars, receiver Zay Jones (knee) will miss his fourth straight game.

Among the players listed questionable are safety Andre Cisco (hamstring) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring).

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

49ers look to get back to winning ways vs. surging Jaguars

The powerful San Francisco 49ers have gone a month without a victory.

Meanwhile, the ever-improving Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t lost since Sept. 24.

The Jaguars (6-2) put their impressive five-game winning streak on the line Sunday when they host the 49ers (5-3), a team that has lost three straight following a 5-0 start.

Both teams are well-rested after a bye last week.

Jacksonville has its sights set on winning a sixth straight regular-season game for the first time since an 11-game streak in 1999.

Still, quarterback Trevor Lawrence doesn’t want his squad resting on its laurels.

“We’re not the best team in the league,” Lawrence said. “We’ve still got more out there for us. It’d be great if this decided playoffs and all that right now, but it doesn’t. So we know we got nine games left and we also know last year we were 3-7 going into the bye and we made the playoffs.”

Jacksonville holds the AFC South lead by two games over the Houston Texans, but coach Doug Pederson wants full focus on the 49ers.

“It’s a matter of just staying in the moment, staying in this week, getting prepared for San Francisco — who we know is a dangerous football team,” Pederson said. “They’re going to be gassed up and ready to go. We just live in the moment and it’s one game at a time.”

San Francisco was sailing along before scoring just 17 points in each of the three defeats. The 49ers lost to the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals.

The 49ers elected to add to their defensive front by obtaining defensive end Chase Young from the Washington Commanders last week. Young is slated to make his team debut on Sunday.

The move reunites Young with defensive end Nick Bosa, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The two were teammates at Ohio State.

“Nick is here, always been a big brother to me,” Young said. “Got in here last week, just the culture, the vibe is a lot different. I definitely know that I’m in the building with winners.”

Quarterback Brock Purdy and star running back Christian McCaffrey will attempt to get the San Francisco offense back on track. The 49ers scored 30 or more points in each of their first five games before the swoon.

Purdy threw five interceptions in the three losses after not being picked once in the first five outings. He passed for a career-high 365 yards in last week’s loss to the Bengals.

McCaffrey leads the NFL with 652 rushing yards and is tied for the league lead with 13 touchdowns (nine rushing, four receiving). He has scored a touchdown in 17 consecutive games, counting the playoffs, to tie the record set by Hall of Famer Lenny Moore (1963-64).

McCaffrey has been a huge fit for the San Francisco offense since being acquired from the Carolina Panthers for four draft picks 12-plus months ago. He also left a rebuilding situation with the Panthers for a shot at the Super Bowl.

“It’s meant the world to me just to be a part of this team, be a part of this organization, and obviously I’m extremely happy to be here,” McCaffrey said. “I’m so thankful that they gave up picks to get me here. It’s changed my perspective on so many things. I feel like I’ve learned so much every day.”

San Francisco standout left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday. He has missed the past two games. Also missing the Wednesday session were left guard Aaron Banks (turf toe) and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (illness).

On the good news front, 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) was a full-go. He also has missed the past two contests.

Jaguars linebacker Yasir Abdullah (illness) missed the team’s Wednesday practice.

The 49ers have won the past four meetings with Jacksonville.

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Ezra Cleveland (72) blocks Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Jaguars acquire G Ezra Cleveland from Vikings

The Jacksonville Jaguars are acquiring left guard Ezra Cleveland from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, multiple reports said Tuesday.

Cleveland, 25, missed the past two weeks with a foot injury, and former Denver Broncos starter Dalton Risner has held down the position in Minnesota.

Cleveland was a second-round draft pick by the Vikings in 2020, and he started all 17 games in both 2021 and 2022. He has made 53 appearances (49 starts) in his three-plus years in the NFL.

The AFC South-leading Jaguars (6-2) moved to add an option on the interior line, while the Vikings (4-4) recovered a sixth-round pick after sending one to the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the day for quarterback Josh Dobbs.

–Field Level Media