The Jaguars were supposed to be a team on the rise in 2016, but their season is off to a disappointing start. They’re 0-2 after a 27-23 home loss to the Packers and a 38-14 loss at San Diego.
They could get a Week 3 boost if Chris Ivory plays. The Jaguars signed the running back during the offseason after he ran for 1,070 yards for the Jets last season.
Ivory hasn’t suited up yet, however, because he was hospitalized on opening day with an undisclosed illness and wasn’t able to practice for Week 2. He returned to practice Wednesday and practiced in full Thursday, according to NFL.com, and head coach Gus Bradley said Ivory “should” play Sunday at home against the Ravens.
With T.J. Yeldon carrying the load at running back, the Jaguars are 30th in the NFL with 58.5 rushing yards per game and 25th with 3.2 yards per carry. Yeldon has made 28 of the Jaguars’ 37 carries and has averaged 2.4 yards per carry.
Ivory’s absence hasn’t been the cause of all the Jaguars’ problems, but he can bring a smashmouth element to the offense against a Ravens defense that allows a hefty 4.5 yards per carry. He’ll give the Jaguars a better chance to get their first win.
