JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars' injury concerns are real.
That has been true and getting truer at cornerback in recent weeks – and now it's true at wide receiver, too.
DJ Chark Jr. and Chris Conley, two of the Jaguars' top four receivers this season, on Friday afternoon were ruled out for the team's game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday because of injuries. The team also ruled out starting cornerback Sidney Jones IV.
"You look to go and play well," Head Coach Doug Marrone said Friday as the Jaguars (1-9) prepared to play the Browns (7-3) at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville Sunday at 1 p.m.
"You look at these guys who are coming in there and see the opportunities they have – guys who wouldn't have gotten opportunities if these guys were there. It's a chance to show what they can do, whether they should be in this league or not."
Chark, Jones and Conley are among a recent slew of Jaguars injuries. Guard Andrew Norwell also will miss Sunday with a forearm injury.
The team in recent weeks also has placed cornerbacks CJ Henderson (groin), DJ Hayden (knee) and Chris Claybrooks (core muscle) on injured reserve as well as Pro Bowl defensive end Josh Allen (knee).
Third-year veteran Tre Herndon is expected to start at one corner Sunday. The other corners on the roster are rookies Josiah Scott and Luq Barcoo, second-year veteran Brandon Rusnak and Greg Mabin, who practiced two days this week after being claimed off waivers from Tennessee.
"Those guys practiced hard and are looking forward to it," Marrone said. "They have a great opportunity in front of them. I don't think anyone gets on a team and wants to be a backup for their career."
Marrone was asked if the team was comfortable playing Mabin Sunday.
"We don't really have a choice," Marrone said. "We've got to get him ready to be ready to go."
Chark, a Pro Bowl selection last season, was ruled out with a rib injury and Conley was ruled out with a hip injury. Rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. was removed from the injury report Friday and is expected to be available after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring injury.
Shenault and Keelan Cole could start at receiver Sunday, with rookie Collin Johnson also available. Trey Quinn also could be activated from the practice squad and Marrone said a roster move could be made to activate Terry Godwin from the practice squad.
"Obviously, we have a plan," Marrone said. "We're comfortable. We'll just go in there and try to execute the game plan we have in place."
Also Friday: The Jaguars listed quarterback Gardner Minshew II (thumb) as questionable entering the weekend. Veteran Mike Glennon will make his first start in three years Sunday. Glennon is replacing Jake Luton, who started the last three games of the season after Minshew started the first seven.
The Jaguars also on Friday listed running back Dare Ogunbowale as questionable with a hand injury.
