Jaguars place DaVon Hamilton, Eric Murray on injured reserve
JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Jaguars placed defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton and safety Eric Murray on injured reserve on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, the team announced, thrusting depth into the spotlight as they head to M&T Bank Stadium to play the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday. Both moves followed injuries sustained in Sunday’s 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Professional Football Team. The roster changes come as the Jaguars, who lead the AFC South, prepare to adjust without two established starters.
Safety Rayuan Lane III filled a critical role after Murray left with an elbow injury on the opening kickoff Sunday, returning an interception 92 yards for a touchdown late in the first half. Lane also recorded three pass breakups and a quarterback hit during the win. Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile said the club’s mindset is built on a next-man-up approach and constant readiness.
Hamilton sustained a season-ending quadriceps injury after playing 11 snaps Sunday and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. He had been a key contributor to the Jaguars’ league-leading run defense, and the team will look to veteran Matt Dickerson to step into a larger role on the interior. The Jaguars also have Arik Armstead, Ruke Orhorhoro and rookie Albert Regis on the roster, with defensive tackles Austin Johnson and T.J. Bollers on the practice squad.
Campanile emphasized preparation and mentality as the foundation for the team’s response, saying players must be ready to perform at any time. Lane stressed the importance of attacking practice and communicating, noting that a player must be prepared when his number is called. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen said expectations for the run defense remain high and that the style of play will not change regardless of personnel.
The Jaguars released their second of three practice reports for the week on Tuesday as they continued preparations for the road game. Safety Antonio Johnson, who missed the Indianapolis Professional Football Team game with an ankle injury, was listed as limited in practice Monday and Tuesday, leaving Jacksonville with three available safeties: Lane, rookie Jalen Huskey and Kaevon Merriweather. Running back Bhayshul Tuten did not practice for a second consecutive day with a foot/ankle issue, and defensive end Travon Walker was limited after not participating Monday. Six players practiced limited for a second straight day: guard Ezra Cleveland (knee/ankle), linebacker Branson Combs (shoulder), Johnson, cornerback Jarrian Jones (ankle), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (hamstring/ankle) and running back Chris Rodriguez (hand).
The moves underscore the depth the Jaguars have relied on this season and set up a test against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday. Jacksonville’s defense has leaned on prepared backups in recent weeks, and the team will again ask reserves to maintain the level of play that has kept the Jaguars atop the AFC South. Coaches and players expressed confidence but acknowledged the challenge of replacing two starters on short notice.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Jaguars’ placement of DaVon Hamilton and Eric Murray on injured reserve crystallizes the immediate roster challenge of preserving a stout run defense while sustaining secondary playmaking. Rayuan Lane III’s 92-yard interception return provides a concrete example of how backups have contributed when called upon. The club’s interior depth, including Matt Dickerson and Arik Armstead, and the players listed on the roster can absorb snaps up front. Thursday’s game in Baltimore will test whether Jacksonville can maintain its defensive identity without Hamilton and Murray.