Jaguars' key starter misses second practice ahead of wild-card game

17 hours ago 2

For the second day in a row, Jacksonville Jaguars' left tackle Cole Van Lanen did not practice.

Van Lanen exited the Jaguars' Week 17 matchup with the Tennessee Titans with a knee injury.

Throughout the season, Van Lanen has started at every offensive line position except for center. But over the last month-plus, he has taken over as the Jaguars' starting left tackle.

Prior to the Tennessee game, when he left early, Van Lanen ranked 10th among all tackles in PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric. He also ranked 10th in run-blocking grade during that span as well.

Any time a player misses two days of practice it is noteworthy. What takes place during Friday's practice will be important when it comes to his availability for Sunday's game with the Bills.

If Van Lanen can't go in this game, Walker Little likely moves back to left tackle.

Also on the Jaguars' injury report, Jarrian Jones (illness) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and was limited.

Limited for the second consecutive day were Patrick Mekari (back), Danny Striggow (elbow/ankle), Montaric Brown (neck), and Greg Newsome (shoulder).

Brown played 41 snaps this past Sunday, Newsome 34, and Striggow 11 in his first game back from an ankle injury.

Mekari has missed the last two games with that back injury.