JACKSONVILLE – The opportunity is real, and it happens now.
The good news for Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is he believes he's ready for it – even if he didn't get it in the manner he wanted.
Christian Kirk is out for the season, which means it's Washington's moment.
"I'm excited, of course," Washington said. "I definitely see the opportunity. The business doesn't stop. The team doesn't stop. We have to win. Being ready to step up, that's my job."
Washington, the Jaguars' second-year wide receiver who is expected to assume much of Kirk's role in the Jaguars' offense moving forward, joined senior writer John Oehser for this Week 9 O-Zone Podcast. Among the topics he discussed:
- His emotions when Kirk – an eight-year veteran key to the Jaguars' offense – sustained a broken collarbone in a loss to the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday.
"As soon as I saw it, I was like, 'No,''' Washington said. "I was in on the play. I took a knee by him and I was like, 'Don't let it be too serious.' It's such a process of getting in shape again, making sure everything is working the way it's supposed to work.'
"It's such a process when you're injured and have to be out for a long time. That's what it's about now, doing this for him and making sure the Jaguars are handling business."
This marks the second consecutive season Kirk has sustained a season-ending injury. Washington played extensively following Kirk's injury in 2023, catching 16 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the final five games.
Washington, who returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown in a Week 7 victory over the New England Patriots, was among the team's standout players in 2024 Jaguars Training Camp, and caught three passes for 46 yards against the Packers Sunday.
"It's a similar opportunity to my rookie year," Washington said of the coming weeks. "I feel like through this offseason I got more trust from QB1 (quarterback Trevor Lawrence) and my coaches to be able to have more opportunity.
"I'm confident in how healthy I am. The growth in that, that's big. I feel like it has shown a little in glimpses here and there this year. It's going to expand a little more how with the opportunity ahead. I have to be ready to step up."
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Washington, click HERE.
