Anton Harrison faces an uncertain recovery as Jaguars plan knee surgery

The Jaguars placed Anton Harrison on injured reserve Tuesday, confirming their left tackle will miss at least four games while he awaits arthroscopic knee surgery. The official roster move followed the earlier report that the length of his recovery would depend on the procedure’s findings.

Walker Little is expected to replace Harrison in the starting lineup, Associated Press reporter Mark Long reported. Harrison will miss Sunday’s game against Houston at Wembley Stadium as well as Jacksonville’s games against Indianapolis, Baltimore and Tennessee.

The Jaguars also promoted safety Kaevon Merriweather to the active roster and signed long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer to the practice squad. Those transactions were included in the team’s Tuesday announcement.

The Jaguars face an uncertain stretch without left tackle Anton Harrison, who is expected to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery after the team returns from London, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and reporting from the Florida Times-Union.

The procedure will help determine how long Harrison is out. Rapoport reported Tuesday that the possibilities range from three to five weeks to three to four months, depending on what the surgeon finds. A return this season remains possible under the shorter timetable; the longer one could end his regular season.

Jacksonville has a replacement who already handled the job in Sunday’s 19-17 win over Philadelphia. Walker Little finished the game after Harrison injured his knee and did not return. The Jaguars confirmed Monday that Harrison had undergone an MRI.

Before Tuesday’s injured-reserve announcement, head coach Liam Coen said the team could elevate a tackle from the practice squad if Harrison was unavailable for Sunday’s game. Coen expressed confidence in the depth already on the roster.

The immediate assignment is Houston at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars are 4-1, but the length of Harrison’s absence will determine whether their adjustment at left tackle lasts a few games or most of the remaining schedule.

Little gives Jacksonville an experienced option. The Times-Union reported that he has started 39 NFL games and has played on both sides of the line as well as at guard. That history matters when the team needs to protect Trevor Lawrence while another starter’s recovery remains unresolved.

Harrison was Jacksonville’s first-round pick in 2023. Tuesday’s reporting describes an expected operation and possible recovery ranges. It does not establish which timetable will apply, and the surgery has yet to settle that question.

Sources

Coen addresses Harrison injury and offensive-line depth · Florida Times-Union: Harrison expected to undergo knee surgery

Tuesday update: Jaguars place Harrison on injured reserve

AP: Harrison’s IR placement rules him out for at least four games