Jacksonville Jaguars have announced their inactives ahead of the Monday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, and one major name stands out — Travon Walker, the team’s top pass rusher and former No. 1 overall draft pick.
With the Jaguars entering Week 5 at 3-1, they face their biggest challenge yet against Patrick Mahomes and a Chiefs team determined to bounce back. However, the absence of their defensive anchor could make the task far more difficult.
Travon Walker out after wrist surgery
In a significant blow to Jacksonville’s defensive front, Travon Walker will not take the field Monday night. The 2022 No. 1 pick underwent wrist surgery earlier this week, sidelining him indefinitely.
Head coach Liam Coen had kept Walker’s status under wraps until the official inactive announcement, listing him as questionable leading up to kickoff. His absence will force the Jaguars to rely on rotational depth along the edge, potentially testing the team’s ability to generate pressure on Mahomes.
Walker has been a key part of Jacksonville’s defensive dominance this season, helping the unit join a historic group — one of only three NFL teams in the past 30 years to record three or more takeaways and allow fewer than 400 yards in each of their first four games.
Yasir Abdullah and Khalen Saunders also inactive
Joining Walker on the inactive list is linebacker Yasir Abdullah, a developing talent who has shown flashes of promise in limited snaps. His absence further depletes Jacksonville’s pass-rushing depth.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders will also sit out, thinning the Jaguars’ interior line rotation. The coaching staff will look to veterans and practice-squad elevations to fill the gaps in the defensive unit.
Jacksonville’s defensive consistency faces its biggest test
The Jaguars have been one of the most disciplined defensive squads in the league, allowing minimal offensive production while consistently forcing turnovers. However, facing Mahomes without Walker and other key contributors will put their resilience to the test.
The offensive line remains stable, having given up just three sacks all season, the fewest in the NFL — a key stat that could help balance the defensive losses.
Full list of Jaguars’ inactives
DE Travon Walker (wrist surgery)
LB Yasir Abdullah
OL Wyatt Milum
DL Danny Striggow
DT Khalen Saunders
Eyes on the defense as Jaguars aim to stay hot
Even without their star edge rusher, Jacksonville’s defense remains a force to be reckoned with. The upcoming matchup against Kansas City will reveal whether this resilient unit can maintain its elite form and contain Mahomes’ explosive offense.