Rob

Meier

He’s the fifth defensive end who has been lost for the year in Jacksonville.

It’s believed Hayward ruptured his Achilles tendon Sunday. Meier has been productive when given the chance, and isn’t a poor DE pickup in deep IDP leagues.

“He’s a terrific role player,” Del Rio said. “That’s a loss.”

Henderson suffered a head injury in Week 2 against Atlanta and was replaced in the starting lineup by Rob Meier. He should return after Jacksonville’s Week 4 bye.

The Jags used usual tackle Rob Meier outside at end in Week 14 against the Panthers, instead of third DE Bobby McCray. They’ve basically admitted that bringing back McCray at a high restricted free agent tender was a mistake.

Stroud is coming back from microfracture ankle surgery. An NFL source told the Florida Times-Union Stroud took “some supplements” that are banned by the league. He isn’t expected to appeal, so the suspension may take effect immediately. The Jags will likely start Rob Meier next to John Henderson during the four games, with Grady Jackson and Derek Landri rotating in.

It’s not clear what the injury was, or if it will cause Henderson to miss this week’s game. If he does, he will be replaced by Grady Jackson, who the Jags signed just last week. Bad timing for the Jags, as Rob Meier is already expected to start for the suspended Marcus Stroud.

“I think maybe too much was expected. I think Rob is a terrific role player. He’s capable of certainly going in and playing 30 snaps a game,” Del Rio said. Derek Landri, Atiyyah Ellison, and rookie Terrance Knighton are candidates for more playing time.

He was just a rotational lineman.

It’s a promising development for Jacksonville. Knighton, the 72nd pick overall in April, has ideal size (6'3/321) to play nose tackle and occupy two blockers. The Jags can now use Rob Meier and Derek Landri in strict blitz situations.