David Chao, MD
2 min read • July 22, 2023
Posted in
After making their first playoff appearance since 2017, the Jaguars will start the season potentially without both starters on the left side of their offensive line.
Starting left tackle Cam Robinson is out for the first four games of the season with a performance-enhancing drug suspension, while left guard Ben Bartch faces a tight timeline to be ready for Week 1 after his dislocated knee Week 5 last season. Starting RT Walker Little will likely slide to LT with Robinson out. Chandler Brewer would step in for Bartch if he's not ready.
While it may not be a reason to avoid Trevor Lawrence or Travis Etienne in your fantasy drafts, this is a situation to monitor heading into the season.
Two of Derek Carr’s new protectors are recovering from Lisfranc injuries they suffered near the end of last season. Right guard Cesar Ruiz suffered a Lisfranc fracture to his left foot in late December, a few weeks prior to left tackle Trevor Penning.
Our panel of former head team physicians have more confidence in Ruiz’s recovery than Penning because of the positions they play. Ruiz carries a SIC score of 78, while Penning is at 59. James Hurst will likely step in as the starting LT if Penning isn’t ready to start the season.
Aaron Rodgers is healthy from his calf strain at OTAs, but the Jets will likely have to keep key two offensive linemen off the sidelines to have a chance at a playoff run. Left tackle Duane Brown has battled shoulder issues in recent years and played through a shoulder injury last season.
Mekhi Becton was drafted to be the left tackle, but suffered a dislocated kneecap last season and had bilateral surgery to prevent future occurrences. If Becton begins looking healthy he could be an option at left tackle, but he will man right tackle in the meantime. Beyond that at right tackle Billy Turner is available to step in if Becton isn’t 100% to start the season.
Bengals right tackle La’el Collins tore his left ACL, MCL, and PCL against the Patriots. Collins underwent surgery in January and is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Right tackle Jonah Williams reportedly requested a trade after the Bengals signed Orlando Brown to play left tackle. However, the team held onto him and Williams is expected to move to right tackle in the absence of Collins for the early part of the season. However, Williams is also recovering from a left knee surgery intended to prevent future knee dislocations. His position switch could increase the risk of reinjury if not handled cautiously.
Written by David Chao, MD
