Cecil Shorts Injury: Updates on Jaguars WR's Concussion

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts left Sunday's Week 13 contest in Buffalo with a possible concussion. The breakout 2011 fourth-round pick out of Division III powerhouse Mount Union notched a game-high seven catches for 77 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game. His status for Week 14 is in question. 

UPDATE: Sunday, December 16 at 11:45 a.m. ET by Rob Goldberg

Cecil Shorts has been cleared to play and is active for the Jaguars' Week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins. He was not listed on the team's official inactives list:

"

Jaguars inactives: Quan Cosby, Rashad Jennings, Jordan Todman, Aaron Ross, Maurice Jones-Drew, Andre Branch, George Selvie.

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) December 16, 2012"

Shorts has been a great surprise this season as the team's leader in receiving yards and touchdowns.

After scoring touchdowns in his last four games, the receiver should continue to contribute and be an excellent play in fantasy leagues.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, December 12 at 12:21 a.m. ET

Great news for Jaguars fans and fantasy owners as Cecil Shorts has been cleared to play, according to Associated Press' Mark Long.

"

Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts is symptom free from concussion and cleared to practice and play

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) December 12, 2012"

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Sunday, December 9 at 12:20 p.m ET by Timothy Rapp

As expected, Shorts has officially been listed as "Out" for Sunday's game on the NFL Injury Report. While expected, this is a big loss for Jacksonville, as Shorts has solidified himself as the team's top receiving threat.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Friday, December 7 at 1:03 p.m ET by Michael Cahill

Ryan O'Halloran, of the Florida Times-Union is reporting the Shorts will not suit up Sunday for the Jaguars.

"

Shorts officially out for #jaguars.

— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) December 7, 2012"

   --End of Update--

UPDATE: Friday, December 7 at 11:54 a.m ET by Michael Cahill

While there is no official word on Shorts' status for Sunday's game, Associated Press reporter Mark Long said that the outlook isn't good.

"

Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts III (concussion) not practicing for 3rd consecutive day. Will know his status later, but don't expect him to play

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) December 7, 2012"

   --End of Update--

UPDATE: Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 12:35 p.m. ET by Adam Wells

There is good news and bad news for Shorts on the concussion front. According to Mark Long of the Associated Press, Shorts passed his concussion test but is still not completely recovered. 

"

Mularkey says Shorts has passed concussion test, but is still having symptoms. Jennings and Selvie have not passed. #Jaguars

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) December 5, 2012"

Considering how sensitive you have to be with a concussion, any kind of symptom is probably going to keep Shorts out of Sunday's game against the Jets. That would be a huge blow to the Jaguars, as he leads the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. 

---END OF UPDATE---

UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 3 at 2:10 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

The head injury Cecil Shorts suffered on Sunday has been diagnosed as a concussion. 

Eugene Frenette of The Florida Times-Union reported the following via Twitter on the wide receivers' condition:

"

Mularkey injury update on Shorts, Jennings, both concussions: Being tested on Tuesday, along with DE George Selvie. Brewster hand is broken

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) December 3, 2012"

Shorts is Jacksonville's leading receiver this season, and the team's sub-par passing attack will likely  continue to struggle if he is unable to play against the New York Jets in Week 14.

---End of Update---

The Jags' official Twitter team was on the scene to break the distressing news:

"

Cecil Shorts is jogging in the lockerroom. Has a head injury and is out.

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) December 2, 2012"

It seemed as though Jacksonville was building a promising offense the past two weeks under backup QB Chad Henne. But since his outstanding start to the Houston Texans game, he has struggled to find the mark.

Shorts is a big reason why the Jags have been able to move the ball at all in 2012, coming on strong in his second year as a pro.

There has been a heavier emphasis on the passing game with new head coach Mike Mularkey and the absence of injured star RB Maurice Jones-Drew, and Shorts has been the go-to guy no matter who's under center.

For the season, Shorts has averaged nearly 21 yards per catch and emerged as a promising cornerstone, despite the other higher-profile receivers on the roster. He has outshone top-five pick Justin Blackmon and prized free agent Laurent Robinson, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys.

Shorts' absence may cause Jags to slip even further in the league standings. But with the 2012 campaign already a lost cause, it would be particularly wise for the team to not rush him back.

If this year is any indication, Shorts has the ability to be a valuable piece to the puzzle as Jacksonville looks to build a contender under new owner Shadid Khan.

Being extra cautious with him would also allow the much-maligned Blackmon to develop further—not to mention help the team's draft position in a de facto sort of way.

Stay tuned for more on Shorts' injury, as it is still speculation at this point that it is a concussion.