{
  "id": 4979068,
  "title": "Gladstone with update on Jaguars player who is on injured reserve",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/gladstone-with-update-on-jaguars-player-who-is-on-injured-reserve",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T00:49:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/gladstone-jaguars-player-injured-004929153.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone provided an encouraging update on the status of offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, who is currently on injured reserve. Following back surgery reported on August 17, the extent of Mekari's absence was initially uncertain. Gladstone clarified on that day that Mekari had been placed on injured reserve during the roster cutdown period, with a designation to return. At the very least, Mekari is expected to miss four games. However, there is potential for him to return even sooner. According to Gladstone, if Mekari manages to practice during Weeks 5 or 6, he might be in contention to return sooner than initially anticipated. Nonetheless, a ramp-up period is likely to be necessary before Mekari can resume playing in Sunday's games. The prospect of Mekari returning in the first half of the season represents positive news for the Jaguars. In his absence, Ezra Cleveland took up the role of right guard during the last week of practice.",
  "summary": "During Tuesday's press conference, Jaguars GM James Gladstone provided an injury update on OL Patrick Mekari.",
  "key_points": [
    "Offensive lineman Patrick Mekari on injured reserve following back surgery.",
    "General Manager James Gladstone provided update on Mekari's status.",
    "Mekari may return sooner than initially expected if he practices in Weeks 5 or 6."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The update on Patrick Mekari's status offers a glimmer of hope that he may return to play sooner than the minimum four games required by his injured reserve designation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Gladstone details reasoning behind Jaguars surprise cutdown day move",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/gladstone-details-reasoning-behind-jaguars-surprise-cutdown-day-move",
        "published": "2026-09-02T01:25:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}