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Jaguars Elevate Pair of Young Defenders Against Bengals
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- Jaguars Elevate Pair of Young Defenders Against Bengals
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Jacksonville Jaguars have put the finishing touches on their roster for their pivotal Week 4 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals .
Facing an explosive Bengals offense, the Jaguars have added reinforcements to their defense by elevating a pair of young defenders from the practice squad.
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On Saturday, Jacksonville announced that it has added linebacker Jalen McLeod and cornerback Jabbar Muhammad to the active roster for Sunday's game against Cincinnati.
The Jaguars are hoping the two youngsters can help bolster the defense as it tries to slow down Cincinnati's star-studded offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Jalen McLeod
McLeod, 24, was a sixth-round pick of the Jaguars last year out of Auburn. He missed his entire rookie season with an ankle injury and did not survive cutdown day this season.
However, Jacksonville quickly signed the young linebacker to its practice squad after he cleared waivers so he could continue his development with the team that drafted him.
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After remaining on the practice squad during Week 1, McLeod was elevated for both the Jaguars' games against Denver and New England the following two weeks.
He has only seen a total of six defensive snaps in his two games, earning a modest 54.2 defensive grade from PFF, but has been a contributor on special teams.
Interestingly, this is already his third practice squad elevation of the season, so Jacksonville will have to sign McLeod to the 53-man roster if the team wants to use him on game day after this week.
Earning three consecutive call-ups shows that the Jaguars think highly of McLeod. It would not be surprising to see him signed to the roster as soon as next week.
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Jabbar Muhammad
As for Muhammad, also 24, Sunday will be his NFL debut.
Muhammad signed with Jacksonville after going undrafted last year, after finishing his college career at Oregon. He spent his entire rookie season on the Jaguars' practice squad and will now have a chance to showcase his talents in a real NFL game.
Despite his strong play in OTAs and training camp, Muhammad was a surprising cut when Jacksonville set its initial 53-man roster.
Like McLeod, Muhammad, who comes from a family full of defensive backs , was quickly brought back to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
Muhammad was singled out by head coach Liam Coen during the offseason as Jacksonville's most-improved player from last season, and will get his first taste of real NFL action against the league's best WR duo in Chase and Higgins, whom the Jaguars must contain to earn their second straight statement victory.
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Final Thoughts
McLeod and Muhammad will provide Jacksonville's defense with some added depth and should see snaps on special teams as well.
Both youngsters will look to make their mark and show the team that they deserve consideration to be permanently added to the 53-man roster.
