JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without wide receiver Christian Kirk for the remainder of the season due to a broken left collarbone, as confirmed by a source with knowledge of the situation. This individual requested anonymity since the team has not yet released an official update regarding Kirk’s injury status.
Kirk sustained the injury while attempting a diving catch on a deep throw during the fourth quarter of a nail-biting 30-27 defeat against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. After the game, he was seen wearing a sling in the locker room.
This injury could mark Kirk’s last moments on the field as a Jaguar, given that the team currently holds a record of 2-6. He previously faced a challenging season, missing the last five games last year due to a core muscle issue. With one year left on a four-year, $72 million contract, he is projected to account for $24.4 million against the salary cap in 2025. His name has been featured in trade discussions recently. Now that the trade deadline has passed, and considering Jacksonville’s struggle with losing 11 of their last 14 games, a decision to release Kirk next year could result in nearly $11 million saved in cap space.
Evan Engram, the Jaguars’ tight end, spoke highly of Kirk, stating, “He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, ever been around, one of the smartest players I’ve been around. One of the best leaders I’ve been around.” Engram added, “You saw him cut up today, too. He was rolling. He was getting going. Just a very unfortunate event.”
At the age of 28, Kirk has recorded 27 receptions for 379 yards and a touchdown this season. He has emerged as a key target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, taking on the role of the second option behind rookie Brian Thomas Jr. Throughout his seven-season career, including the first four with the Arizona Cardinals, Kirk has amassed 404 receptions for 5,176 yards and 29 touchdown catches.
Kirk was among six Jaguars players injured during the game, which included all three starting wide receivers. Additionally, Gabe Davis exited with a shoulder injury, while Thomas suffered a rib injury that will require further examination on Monday. The Jaguars also played without cornerback Ronald Darby (hip) and guards Ezra Cleveland (ankle) and Brandon Scherff (knee), though Scherff was the only one who managed to return to the field.