Jaguars Reveal Surprise Inactive vs. Broncos

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have revealed their inactive list for Sunday's Week 16 clash, and there is one surprising name.

The Jaguars announced five inactives for their road battle with the Denver Broncos, and the big surprise this week is second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith. The Jaguars had downgraded defensive tackle Austin Johnson in each of the last two games, but it looks like Johnson won the spot over Smith during the week.

Jaguars Inactives

Smith has had a curious number of healthy scratches in the early years of his NFL career, and the fact that he is inactive in such a big game is telling. It is even more telling that not only did Johnson jump him in the depth chart, but so did journeyman veteran and former practice squad member Matt Dickerson.

“Yeah, Matt's done a nice job. I think all the offensive linemen would tell you that he's made their lives pretty frustrating for a long time since he got with us," Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said this week about Dickerson. "He's been doing everything we've asked him to do. He is very strong, has strong hands, you shake his hand and it breaks it. He's tough. He just does what he's asked to do and hopefully keep getting better for us.”

Dec 14, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during the first quarter against the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images | Travis Register-Imagn Images

Also inactive for the Jaguars are running back Bhayshul Tuten (finger), defensive end Danny Striggow (ankle), tight end Hunter Long, and offensive lineman Chuma Edoga. Long is down in favor of Quintin Morris while Edoga is down in favor of rookie offensive lineman Wyatt Milum.

With Tuten out for the week and likely the next few following games, the Jaguars will be turning to fellow rookie running back LeQuint Allen as their No. 2 running back against a tough Broncos defensive front.

Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen stands on the field during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images | Travis Register-Imagn Images

"Yeah, we've gotten glimpses of it here and there. You see him on third down, he’s had some carries, when he’s gone into spell TJ [RB Travis Etienne Jr.] at times, he's had some carries," Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said this week.

"But I think when you see the physicality that he plays with in pass protection or even as a receiver out of the backfield, translating that into the run game will be exciting to see. Really, his play style, his effort, his demeanor is kind of attacking in every single thing he does. So, I'm excited to see what he does with that opportunity.”

Nov 30, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen smiles to the crowd as he walks of the field against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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