JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars' injury situation is far from ideal.
That's particularly the case on offense – particularly considering this week's opponent is one of the NFL's best defenses.
Wide receiver Allen Hurns and running back Chris Ivory on Friday were ruled out for Sunday's game against the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, the No. 4-ranked defense in the NFL. Both players sustained hamstring injuries in a loss at Buffalo last week and did not practice this week.
Jaguars reserve wide receiver Rashad Greene (Achilles) also was ruled out Sunday. Tight end Julius Thomas was listed as doubtful on the final injury report of the week.
Rookie defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, the Jaguars' leader with six sacks this season, was listed as questionable with an ankle injury sustained against Buffalo.
"It's challenging," Head Coach Gus Bradley said as the Jaguars (2-9) prepared to play the Broncos (7-4) at EverBank Field Sunday at 1 p.m. "I just really think we all believe that guys are talented and they'll step up when they get their opportunity and we'll see. We still have a day and a half."
Not only will Ivory – the Jaguars' leading rusher – miss the game, but running back T.J. Yeldon missed practice Wednesday and worked limited Thursday and Friday with an ankle injury. Yeldon and Ivory have split carries much of the season, with Ivory rushing for 350 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns and Yeldon rushing for 318 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and a touchdown.
Yeldon played at about 75 percent on Sunday against Buffalo, and Bradley said the extent of his role for Sunday isn't yet known.
"I think that will be a game-time decision just how much he'll be able to handle," Bradley said.
Running back Denard Robinson likely will share carries with Yeldon Sunday. He has rushed for 74 yards on 20 carries this season for 3.7 yards per carry.
"I think he showed up in the Detroit game," Bradley said of Robinson, who rushed for 21 yards on three carries two weeks ago in Detroit and 39 yards on 13 carries Sunday against Buffalo. "You saw his acceleration and his speed and some of the styles of runs that he had. So I think if he goes into the game knowing that he's going to see an increased role, he's more in-tune to it, gets more reps in practice and I think that benefits him."
The absence of Hurns and Greene leaves the Jaguars with four healthy receivers: Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, Bryan Walters and Arrelious Benn. Bradley said a move could be made to sign one of three wide receivers – second-year veteran Tony Washington, rookie Mekale McKay or first-year veteran Shane Wynn – from the practice squad.
Lee, who has 46 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns, likely will start for Hurns opposite Robinson. Hurns often has been moving inside to the slot this season with Lee playing opposite Robinson in three-receiver sets.
Walters could get an extensive role in the slot Sunday and Bradley said Benn will "get more opportunities."
"When he gets his chances and he goes in there, he does some good things," Bradley said of Benn, who has five receptions for 116 yards this season including a 51-yard game-winning touchdown reception against Chicago in the fifth game of the season.
"I know he doesn't get as many [opportunities], maybe seeing more as a fourth or a fifth now for us. But yeah, when he goes in there and he has his role or when he goes in there for a play and look at the Chicago game, he gets his opportunity and he usually shows up."
The following players are expected to play Sunday after being listed on the injury report this week: left tackle Kelvin Beachum (knee), quarterback Blake Bortles (right shoulder), defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (shoulder), defensive tackle Abry Jones (ankle), center Brandon Linder (ankle), defensive tackle Malik Jackson (back), Otto linebacker Dan Skuta (back), defensive end Chris Smith (eye) and safety Peyton Thompson (ankle).
Defensive end Jared Odrick has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
