It looks like a seventh-round rookie will be playing a big role for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense in Sunday’s game against Seattle.
On Friday’s final injury report, starting center Robert Hainsey is listed as doubtful. Hainsey exited the Monday Night game with a hamstring injury and missed the first two days of practice before being limited on Friday.
So, in the likely event that Hainsey does not play this week, the Jaguars will again turn to Jonah Monheim to take over.
In the 14 pass-blocking snaps that Monheim played against the Chiefs, he surrendered only one pressure. And for what it’s worth, on his three run-blocking snaps, he did grade out well, according to PFF’s metrics.
The Jaguars showcased their confidence in Monheim back in training camp when they traded Luke Fortner to the Saints to bring in Khalen Saunders. Without Fortner in the mix, that put Monheim clearly in the backup center role.
Along with everything that takes place for a blocker as the play unfolds, the center, in particular, has a lot on his plate pre-snap as well. It is on the center to communicate protections and make any adjustments based on what the defense is doing.
“Jonah all through training camp, I think, had gotten better and better, earned a lot of trust and respect around here in the building,” Liam Coen said earlier this week. “He is prepared like a pro all throughout this process. And he stepped up the other night in couple moments where we needed him to.”
According to Mia O’Brien, Patrick Mekari and Cole Van Lanen have been taking center snaps in practice and learning the calls as backup options this week behind Monheim.
The Seattle defensive line ranks second in yards per rush allowed, and they are eighth in quarterback pressure rate this season.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars relying heavily on rookie seventh-round draft pick vs. Seahawks
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
