It appears Jacksonville Jaguars fans may have seen the last of first-round pick C.J. Henderson for the 2020 season, who went on injured reserve Nov. 19 with a groin injury. Head coach Doug Marrone provided an update on the rookie’s status, and after speaking with the medical staff, Marrone informed the media that Henderson’s injury is severe enough to prevent a 2020 return.
“Actually, we’ve met with the medical staff and we just don’t feel like he’s going to be recovered to be able to play,” Marrone said. “So, we don’t feel he’ll be back.”
Henderson was a player fans were very excited about as the Jags took him with their first draft selection (No. 9) in April out of Florida. He didn’t disappoint initially in 2020, impressing in the Jags’ Week 1 and Week 2 games against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. However, after that, there was some inconsistency on his part, which is expected for rookies who play such a difficult position.
With the coronavirus pandemic taking place this year, Henderson and the Jags’ rookie class as a whole didn’t have a regular offseason, so he definitely should be given a break. Maybe things will be a little closer to normal next spring and summer, which would allow Henderson to pick up where he left off Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers as he impressed against receiver Davante Adam.
With Henderson’s return unlikely this season, he’ll exit the 2020 season with eight starts, 36 tackles, six pass breakups, a pick, and a forced fumble. He’ll also have the opportunity to improve his Pro Football Focus grade of 57.9, which ranks him 69th of 126 eligible players at the cornerback position.
