Jaguars Injury Scare — Superstar Wide Receiver Goes Down During Joint Practice After Just 2 Reps
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Brian Thomas Jr. left the field for evaluation Tuesday. The Jaguars wide receiver grabbed at his shoulder after a touchdown catch. He returned briefly but then spent time with the trainers.
The play happened during 11-on-11 work against the Buccaneers. Trevor Lawrence hit him for a score on the first play. Coverage came from Tampa Bay’s secondary. Thomas Jr. came down and immediately reached for the shoulder.
Reporters noted he took only a couple of additional reps afterward. He stayed on the sideline while staff checked him. Physical therapy analysts pointed to a possible AC joint issue from the landing.
BTJ has been grabbing at his shoulder since this catch. He went back in but is getting looked at by trainers now. https://t.co/3mB7VLyARp
— Juston W. Lewis (@JustonLewis_) August 25, 2026
Brian Thomas Jr injury watch https://t.co/lDY3dp7jdG
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 25, 2026
Brian Thomas Jr. Carries a History of Shoulder Problems
Thomas Jr. dealt with shoulder and wrist issues throughout the 2025 season. Those injuries limited his production after a strong rookie year. He also missed time later with an ankle sprain, which eventually led to discussions about a potential exit from Jacksonville.
He spent the offseason rehabbing multiple areas. In the spring he said running no longer hurt. Coaches praised his intentional work on strength and catching. The hope centered on a bounce-back campaign in 2026.
Any new shoulder setback raises fresh questions. Past AC joint problems make this one worth monitoring closely. Early reports remain preliminary with no official diagnosis yet.
Brian Thomas Jr. Remains Central to the Jaguars Offense
Thomas Jr. still projects as the starting X receiver. The staff wants him as a vertical threat who stretches the field. Improved chemistry with Lawrence showed up in camp before this scare.
He shared some 11-personnel snaps with Travis Hunter earlier. That role still leaves him as the primary deep option. Fantasy and team outlooks both hinge on his availability.
Updates will come as trainers finish their look. For now the focus stays on how the shoulder responds overnight. Full details continue to develop from the practice field.
The Jaguars lost to the Carolina Panthers on Friday, 34-17. They will clash with the Buccaneers on Friday, hoping to have a positive update on this Thomas situation.
