BOUYE RETURNS, BUT INJURIES WILL STILL PLAY ROLE IN JAGUARS VS STEELERS

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

AJ Bouye is back, but there are still injury concerns for both sides. 

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After a two game absence with a calf injury, suffered in the Wednesday practice prior to the Jaguars annual game in London, Pro Bowl cornerback AJ Bouye will return to the lineup this Sunday. During the two games missed by Bouye the Jaguars secondary was in shambles, surrendering over 285 yards per game through the air. His presence will be a welcome addition for the Big Cats, who are looking to end a five game skid against the Steelers, who have won five straight. 

But injuries will be a factor on both sides. 

Quenton Meeks, the Jaguars rookie undrafted cornerback, will not play in this one due to a knee injury. Meeks has started one game and dressed for four others this season. His injury isn't a major concern in terms of depth as the Jaguars CB group is relatively healthy. 

Two starters, however, are listed as questionable for the Jaguars entering week 11. Right guard AJ Cann and nose tackle Marcell Dareus are both dealing with injuries and could miss the Jaguars playoff rematch with the Steelers. Cann is hampered by a hamstring injury while Dareus is has a triceps issue. If Dareus can't go then Abry Jones will see a lot more run in this one, but he's no stranger to high snap counts. And if Cann is unable to go the Chris Reed will get his second start of the season at right guard. 

On the other side of this matchup the Steelers will be without two pivotal pieces. Their starting right tackle, Marcus Gilbert and interior defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt will both be sidelined against the Jaguars. Gilbert is dealing with a knee injury and will miss his fourth consecutive contest. The Steelers offensive line has faired well with out Gilbert, but his replacement, Matt Feiler, hasn't been all that spectacular. The Jaguars could employ some creative pass rush tactics to try and take advantage. Tuitt's absence could loom large in this one. He's the Steelers best run defender and, wouldn't you know it, the Jaguars just got Leonard Fournette back last week. Fournette tormented the Steelers in 2017, amassing over 300 total yards and five touchdowns in two contests against the Steelers. In his place Tyson Alualu (the former Jaguars first round pick) will likely get the start. He's been a good run defender throughout his career, but certainly isn't the caliber of Stephon Tuitt. 

The Steelers will have Jame Conner in this one. The second year running back suffered a concussion in week 10, but practiced all week and appears to have shaken off the injury. 

Keep your eye out for the game status of AJ Cann and Marcell Dareus moving forward.