As the NFL season hits its stride in mid-September 2026, the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves grappling with a special teams conundrum that could define their Week 2 showdown against the Denver Broncos. Following Wednesday’s injury report and roster shuffling, the Jaguars’ kickoff coverage—a unit that has been under scrutiny since the preseason—just became even more unpredictable. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the loss of defensive end BJ Green II to Injured Reserve (IR) is a blow that extends far beyond the defensive line, striking at the heart of a coverage unit already searching for answers.
The Hidden Impact of BJ Green II’s Injury
When Jacksonville placed BJ Green II on IR early Wednesday, the immediate reaction focused on the pass rush. After all, Green’s four-sack outburst in the Teal and White scrimmage and his steady development as a rotational edge rusher had many in Duval County dreaming of a second-year leap. But the true cost lies in his special teams contributions. In 2025, Green logged a 42 percent snap share on special teams—primarily kickoff coverage—while seeing just 9.6 percent of defensive snaps. His value was undeniable on coverage units, and ironically, it was there he fell victim. Head coach Liam Coen confirmed Wednesday that Green sustained an elbow injury on the opening kickoff against the Cleveland Browns. “He’ll be out for a little bit here and we announced that we’re putting him on IR,” Coen said. “Unfortunate for B.J., did it on the first play of the game and really played another, like, 15 snaps with an injury. And so, it kind of tells you about the guy, the type of dude that he is.” That grit—playing 15 additional snaps with a significant injury—epitomizes the toughness Jacksonville values, but it leaves a void that must be filled immediately.
Coverage Woes: A Pattern, Not a Blip
Green’s absence amplifies a problem that has been festering since August. In Week 1 against Cleveland, the Jaguars allowed Browns returner Raheim Sanders to average 43.3 yards on three kickoff returns, including a 74-yarder in the third quarter that flipped field position. While Jacksonville escaped with a 34-10 victory, such lapses would prove costly in a tighter contest. The preseason offered little reassurance: Ty Chandler ripped off an 86-yard return for the Saints in Week 1, while Anthony Tyus III (37 yards) and Trevor Etienne (34 yards) gashed the Panthers in Week 2. Even without a return in Week 3, the trend was clear. As highlighted on Vulius, this is not a one-game anomaly—it’s a systemic issue that demands urgent attention.
Jack Kiser: The Special Teams Band-Aid
In response, the Jaguars activated linebacker Jack Kiser from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Kiser isn’t expected to crack the linebacker rotation behind Foye Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, and Branson Combs—all of whom impressed in Week 1—but his special teams pedigree and familiarity with the system make him the ideal plug-and-play replacement for Green. His promotion is a direct attempt to stabilize a coverage unit that has yet to find its footing in 2026.
Broncos’ Injury Report Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Denver’s Wednesday injury report, though an estimation due to the short week, listed two key returners as did not participate: running back RJ Harvey (hamstring) and wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (foot). Harvey, who handled 55 percent of offensive snaps and averaged 27.8 yards on four kickoff returns Monday night, is Denver’s primary kick returner. Mims, the team’s top punt returner, averaged 18.0 yards on two returns against Kansas City. Should both sit, Jacksonville’s coverage unit could catch a significant break. However, as Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, hamstring and foot injuries can be tricky, and Thursday’s official report will clarify their status. The potential absence of both returners adds a layer of intrigue to a game that could hinge on special teams.
BJ Ojulari Added for Pass Rush Depth
To offset Green’s pass rush reps, Jacksonville signed former Arizona Cardinals edge rusher BJ Ojulari to the practice squad. The 24-year-old, a 2023 second-round pick out of LSU, flashed promise as a rookie with 4.0 sacks before a torn ACL cost him the 2024 season. He returned for eight games in 2025 but was waived in August. Ojulari offers developmental upside and a potential elevation candidate if the pass rush needs a boost. His addition, while low-risk, could pay dividends if he recaptures his rookie form.
What’s Next for the Jaguars?
As Jacksonville prepares for Denver, the spotlight shines brightly on Heath Farwell’s special teams unit. With Green sidelined and Kiser stepping in, the Jaguars must shore up a coverage phase that has been leaky all year. If Denver’s returners are limited, it could mask the issue temporarily, but long-term solutions are needed. For now, all eyes will be on Sunday’s matchup—and whether Jacksonville can finally cure its special teams blues. Stay tuned to Vulius for continued coverage and analysis.
Looking to represent BJ Ojulari? Grab your BJ Ojulari jersey or design a personalized sports jersey at Vulius.
