Jaguars place DE Josh Allen on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Jaguars placed defensive end Josh Allen on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list this morning ahead of its matchup against the New Orleans Saints tonight on Monday Night Football, the team announced today.

Allen being placed on the list means he has either tested positive for COVID-19 or has been in close contact with a person(s) that has tested positive. He will now go through protocols to make his way off of the list.

Regardless, he will be unable to suit up tonight against the Saints, making the Jaguars look elsewhere for help for its pass rush.

The Jaguars recently activated safety Daniel Thomas from the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list, making Allen the only player currently on the list.

Over the offseason, several players for Jacksonville have been placed on the list and subsequently taken off including defensive tackle Taven Bryan and cornerback CJ Henderson.

The Jaguars have mixed it up a great deal during training camp and can go in several directions tonight, including playing second-year SAM linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson in Allen’s role, while utilizing veteran LB Lerentee McCray in Chaisson’s spot. They have also utilized Dawaune Smoot in a similar role to Allen as well.

Last week, the Jaguars failed to generate a lot of pass rush against Cleveland Browns quarterback Case Keenum, but were plenty stout against the run, allowing less than two yards-per-carry.

Against the Saints, Jacksonville will have to dominate the line of scrimmage yet again, going up against a formidable offensive line, with plenty of firepower in the backfield if RB Alvin Kamara were to play tonight.