Luke Joeckel Injury: Updates on Jaguars OT's Recovery from Knee Surgery

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Luke Joeckel suffered a knee injury against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4 that will require knee surgery. He has been placed on injured reserve, and it is uncertain when he will be able to return.

Continue for updates.

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Joeckel Placed on Injured Reserve

Friday, Oct. 7

The Jaguars announced that Joeckel underwent surgery to repair damage to his ACL and MCL, per Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union

On Oct. 4, the Jaguars announced that Joeckel needed knee surgery and would have an operation this week.

He has been placed on injured reserve while he recovers, but O'Halloran reported that Joeckel has not been ruled out for the season.

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Joeckel Unable to Walk Without Assistance

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Mark Long of the Associated Press reported that Joeckel left the team's facility on crutches and with a full brace on his left leg.

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Joeckel Struggling to Stay Healthy in NFL

Joeckel hasn't yet developed into the dominant player many expected him to be when he was selected second overall in the 2013 draft, but much of that has to do with the fact that he has struggled to stay on the field for much of his career.

As a rookie in 2013, he missed all but five games due to a broken ankle. The former Texas A&M standout bounced back to start all 16 games in 2014, but injuries are starting to wreak havoc on his progress again.

Joeckel picked up another ankle injury in Week 1 of the 2015 campaign, which forced him to wear a walking boot for a period of time and caused him to miss two contests. Although he was eventually able to return to action, ankle issues are always worrisome for offensive linemen, as footwork is so vital.

Now that Joeckel is on the shelf for the third time in his young career, there are definite concerns regarding his ability to live up to his lofty draft status.

Joeckel is still young and has plenty of time to become a great lineman, but it won't happen if he is constantly in the trainer's room.

While the Jaguars coaching staff and front office would love for Joeckel to establish himself as a stud at left tackle, they have solid depth and some fallback options at their disposal.

With Joeckel missing time for the third time in four seasons, Kelvin Beachum is the likeliest option to serve as quarterback Blake Bortles' blindside protector.

Joeckel hasn't even come close to reaching his full potential, but his value will be put to the test and become much clearer depending on how Jacksonville's offensive line performs with him on the shelf.

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