Jaguars Mike Brown, Alan Ball game-time decisions

The Jacksonville Jaguars decision to promote Jeremy Ebert and Marcus Burley from the practice squad to the 53-man roster makes even more sense now that the Florida Times-Union’s Ryan O’Halloran is reporting that No. 3 wide receiver Mike Brown and cornerback Alan Ball are both game-time decisions for tomorrow’s game against the Oakland Raiders.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Brown (12) during the first afternoon of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health

Brown’s status was iffy throughout the week, and both he and Ball come into tomorrow’s game officially listed questionable. Ebert was always viewed as a candidate for a promotion the roster in lieu of Brown’s injury, and there’s a very real chance that Brown misses this game and Ebert gets a chance to impress. The former New England Patriots seventh-round pick out of Northwestern is heading into his season season in the league, and he has some potential as a slot receiver and punt returner. In fact, Ebert should be able to play on special teams tomorrow and could return punts if Brown is out.

The Jaguars really need Alan Ball to be healthy against the Raiders, and it’s pretty sad that he’s their best cornerback after Derek Cox left for the San Diego Chargers. Ball isn’t bad, but he’s hardly a No. 1 CB. He injured his groin on Thursday, but I think he’s going to play tomorrow. I don’t think the Jaguars want to play without their starting corners in a winnable game, and Burley is just added depth for the Jaguars at CB with Dwayne Gratz and Ball injured. Meanwhile, Ebert is set for an actual role on the team against the Raiders if Brown misses time, and I think Ball has more of a chance at playing than Brown.

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