Dan Arnold left Sunday’s game with what was believed to be a serious lower-body injury. Ian Rapoport has now confirmed that the Jacksonville Jaguars tight end has suffered a grade-two MCL sprain. This injury will likely bring an end to Arnold’s 2021 NFL regular season. If Jacksonville, by some miracle, were able to make the playoffs, then there is a possibility Arnold would be healthy enough to return.
#Jaguars TE Dan Arnold suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain, sources say, knocking him out 4-6 weeks. Based on the calendar, the injury could be season-ending.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 29, 2021
Dan Arnold Suffers MCL Sprain, Season Likely Over
Promising Season Cut Short
Arnold is widely considered to be one of the up-and-coming tight ends in this league. Initially starting the season with the Carolina Panthers, Arnold was traded to Jacksonville for C.J. Henderson and a draft pick. This trade, at the end of September, also included both teams swapping mid-round draft picks. Jacksonville received a 2022 third-round draft pick, and Carolina received a 2022 fifth-round draft pick.
In 11 games this season, Arnold has recorded 35 receptions for 408 yards and zero touchdowns. His lack of touchdown production is understandable for a player switching organizations in the middle of a season. Regardless, it is a stat that has frustrated fantasy football owners to no end this year. On a positive note, Arnold had a three-game stretch where he recorded 60+ receiving yards in each exhibition. He had just begun to catch some momentum which makes this injury all the more unfortunate.
Arnold has the potential to be a star at the tight end position in this league. Maybe not a superstar, but he has the potential to be in Pro Bowl contention annually. As his relationship with Trevor Lawrence continues to blossom, Arnold will be featured more and more in the weekly game plan. His focus in the off-season should be on route-running and contested catches. A solid off-season program could see Arnold return as a force to be reckoned with in 2022.
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