The Jacksonville Jaguars secondary could be stretched on Sunday, as the team released safety Antonio Johnson for the Week 8 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Johnson (ankle) did not practice Friday after first suffering his ankle injury in the second quarter of the team’s Week 6 London matchup against the Houston Texans. His absence obviously puts more pressure on a safety room that already dealt with attrition earlier this season with Eric Murray, who dealt with a Week 4 concussion that kept him out for Week 5. The combined injuries, between weeks 5 and 6 resulted in safety Kaevon Merriweather playing more snaps on defense:
With Johnson now out, Merriweather is expected to receive his first start of the 2026 season. Liam Coen discussed Merriweather at media availability on Friday.
“Kayvon needs to continue to grow and develop. Since he was with him in Tampa, he was someone who helped teams and played his tail off there, but also managed to get into the starting 8 games.”
In addition to the Johnson update, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (hamstring/ankle) also did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable, though he spoke with Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times Union after practice, advising he was “feeling fine.” Meyers was listed Wednesday and Thursday on the injury report as a limited participant with only a hamstring issue, before sitting out Friday’s session with an additional ankle issue that could occur Thursday. His status could drop on game day, with rain and a wet field in the forecast for Sunday.
Running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (hamstring), defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (ankle), linebacker Jahlani Tavai (hamstring), and long snapper Ross Matiscik (shoulder) were all limited Friday and did not have a game-day injury designation. Additionally, cornerback Montaric Brown (hamstring), defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle), and tight end Brenton Strange (eye) are each full participants and expected to play.
Notably, there was no update on the 21-Day window that opened for offensive lineman Patrick Mekari (back), rotational edge BJ Green (elbow), or rookie defensive end Zach Durfee (upper body). Each player will be on injured reserve for at least four weeks, with the potential to return as the team exits the Week 7 bye week.
The Colts, on Friday, waived wide receiver and starting punt returner Anthony Gould (concussion). Gould was absent even though he practiced in full on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, starting slot cornerback Justin Walley (knee) is out Sunday after not practicing all week. Starting linebacker Bryce Boettcher (groin) and tight end Drew Ogletree (knee) are both questionable. Boettcher did not practice all week.