Jaguars G Patrick Mekari recently underwent back surgery, expected to play in 2026
Jacksonville starting guard Patrick Mekari had a back procedure and will miss some time, but the Jaguars expect him back this season and have not yet decided on IR.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without starting guard Patrick Mekari for a stretch after he recently underwent back surgery.
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet): #Jaguars guard Patrick Mekari recently underwent back surgery, per me and @MikeGarafolo, though he is expected to play again this season. A hit to their depth, but no decision yet on IR.
Mekari, who has been a mainstay on Jacksonville's interior line, will miss some time, but the team expects him to return this season and has not yet made a decision on whether to open the year on Injured Reserve, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. A local reporter with knowledge of the situation noted that the lack of an IR decision suggests Mekari could be ready before Week 4.
It is a hit to the Jaguars' depth up front as they sort out the line protecting their quarterback, though the club does not appear to view the procedure as a season-ending setback. The next few weeks will tell whether Mekari begins the year on IR or simply misses the early portion of the schedule.