Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars had been heavily anticipating the debut of linebacker Jake Ryan and it appears they will finally have their wishes granted. The team announced that the veteran linebacker was activated from their reserve/non-football injury list Saturday, which should provide some much needed help to their struggling linebackers group.
To make room for his addition, the Jags waived running back and punt returner Tyler Ervin.
Ryan, 27, signed with the Jags this offseason due to his relationship with defensive advisor Dom Capers back in Green Bay, who previously served as the Packers defensive coordinator. Ryan was drafted by Green Bay in the fourth-round of the 2015 draft (selection No. 129) and played for them until 2018. However, in July of last season, he tore his ACL and missed the whole 2018 season.
While with the Packers Ryan managed to accumulate 213 total tackles, a sack, three pass breakups and a forced fumble.
After signing with the Jags this March, Ryan was expected to be available for the regular season but suffered a setback in August. After working hard on a return, he resumed practicing with the team after the bye week and it appears the coaching staff liked the strides he made.
Ryan’s signing could be a sign that starting MIKE linebacker Myles Jack will be unavailable Sunday against the Tampa Bay Bucs after surfacing on the final injury report as questionable with a knee injury. It remains to be seen what position Ryan will play but fans shouldn’t rule out him seeing snaps at MIKE linebacker where Jack has struggled even when healthy.
