vox888 Christian Kirk has returned to training after recovering from a season-ending injury during the Leopards’ off-season. vox888
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk, 27, revealed that the injury that ended the 2023 season was a mental challenge for him and now feels good about getting back to where he belongs, NFL Network reported. ( vox888 )
Kirk had 84 catches for 1,108 yards, both career-bests, and eight touchdowns in his first 17 games as a Jaguar before the 27-year-old wide receiver suffered a core injury that limited him to just 12 games in the 2023 season, catching 57 passes for 787 yards and three scores, before returning to practice.
“I feel like the off-season is an eternity for me. The injury is more of a mental challenge than anything else,” Kirk said. “It tests your mind, but it can lift your mind. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations and push through them. Like I said, it’s tough, but I’m just excited. I have a chip on my shoulder. I’m ready to wake some people up and remind them what kind of player I am.”
Kirk remains the Jaguars’ number one wide receiver, and he’ll get another chance after Calvin Ridley signed with the Tennessee Titans and Zay Jones signed with the Arizona Cardinals, with the Leopards signing former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis and former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devin Duvernay.
The Jaguars’ current wide receivers include Kirk, Davis, Duvernay, Elijah Cooks, Tim Jones, Parker Washington, Seth Williams and first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr., with Kirk being the oldest at 27.
“On a personal level, I feel like I’m back where I belong and where I want to be,” Kirk said. “I’m looking forward to coming back and having a good season.”
