Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson expressed optimism Tuesday that Jones (hamstring) could play Sunday against the Panthers, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.
Pederson said Jones will practice Wednesday, though it's unclear to what extent the receiver will mix into drills. The veteran wideout was injured in a Week 15 loss to the Ravens and was forced to miss the Jaguars' 30-12 loss to Buccaneers this past Sunday. With Christian Kirk (groin) still on injured reserve, the flailing Jaguars badly need any help they can get for quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), whose status for Week 17 is up in the air after he suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 16. Tim Jones, Parker Washington, Elijah Cooks and Jamal Agnew soaked up the wide receiver snaps behind Calvin Ridley versus Tampa Bay.