Brian

Thomas

Though he was still No. 3 in wide receiver snaps agains the Bengals, Thomas saw more snaps this week than his 23-snap game against the Patriots last week. He out-snapped Josh Cameron 38-to-22 and caught Trevor Lawrence’s sole touchdown pass of the afternoon. Despite the score, Thomas’ lesser role relegates him to the WR3 spot in the Jaguars offense as he tied for fourth in targets against the Bengals. Thomas is a touchdown-dependent fantasy play and should be in the WR5 range for Week 5 against the Eagles.

Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley believes that Cameron’s usage (23 snaps) could make it “stand[s] to reason Thomas could quickly become the fourth option instead” in a column that says he believes a “new start would be best for both parties.” It sounds like there’s a non-zero chance that Thomas is on the trade block at the deadline, as weird as that seems given how good the Jaguars have been on offense. Thomas isn’t necessarily someone who has to be rostered in shallow leagues given how things are trending.

After back-to-back 40-yard outings as the Jaguars’ No. 2 receiver, Thomas bottomed out on a low-volume day for the Jacksonville offense. Jakobi Meyers led the Jags with nine targets while Parker Washington saw five looks; both wideouts scored a touchdown against an overmatched Pats secondary. Thomas’ usage has been spotty even in two-receiver sets so far this season. That leaves him as an iffy flex play week to week. He could benefit from a potentially high-scoring game in Week 4 against the Bengals. In shallower leagues he should stay on the bench for the time being.

Thomas had a couple drops in this one and once again seemed not to be on the same page as Trevor Lawrence. Parker Washington led the Jaguars with a dozen targets and was clearly Lawrence’s preferred target. The highlight of Thomas’ day came on a 22-yard grab. BTJ’s downfield role in the Jacksonville offense means he will be a high variance weekly play in 12-team leagues. He some some flex appeal for Week 3 against a tough New England secondary.

Thomas missed a little time in Week 1 after landing on his injured shoulder, but was able to return. The Jaguars’ X-receiver could face Broncos CB Pat Surtain on the perimeter this week, but he should get a few chances to make big plays downfield. He remains a FLEX starter in Week 2.

The Jaguars are seemingly just managing Thomas’ reps after their X-receiver aggravated his shoulder injury in Week 1 against the Browns. Thomas remains a volatile WR3/FLEX playing in a productive, if crowded, offense.

Thomas Jr. left the Jags’ Week 1 win over the Browns in the first half, though he eventually got back on the field after halftime. It’s believed to be a reaggravation of the shoulder injury he dealt with during training camp. While Liam Coen has already said he expected BTJ to play in Week 2, a lingering shoulder injury isn’t going to do him any favors as he attempts to bounce back from a quiet Week 1. Thomas Jr. will be stuck at the back of the WR3 ranks for his date with the Broncos on Sunday.

Thomas exited Week 1 after reaggravating a shoulder injury he dealt with in the days leading up to Sunday’s game. He returned to finish out the game, so it’s not all too surprising to hear that Coen expects him to be good to go for next week’s game against the Broncos. Thomas’ 14 routes run in Sunday’s win over the Browns ranked third most among Jags receivers in a game where the leading route runner (Jakobi Meyers) ran only 20 routes in a game that Jacksonville controlled all afternoon. Thomas will be hard to trust as anything more than a WR3 in next week’s game against the Broncos.

Thomas got off to a fast start, making a toe-tap catch on the Jaguars’ first drive and catching all three of his targets in the first quarter. He hurt his shoulder diving for a fumble and exited the game in the first half. Though Thomas returned in the second half, the Jaguars had a monstrous lead and he saw no targets the rest of the game. Based on first half utilization, Thomas is the team’s No. 2 wide receiver and should get plenty of opportunities in a fantasy-fruitful offense. He is a fantasy WR3 for Week 2 against the Broncos.

Thomas exited in the second quarter against the Browns with a shoulder issue. He had three receptions prior to his exit and is questionable to return. Rookie Josh Cameron will see more opportunities while Thomas is out.