Jaguars activate top receiver Christian Kirk after core muscle surgery

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) catches a pass as Houston Texans cornerback Tavierre Thomas (4) gives chase in the first half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars will have their top receiver back for their most important game of the season.

The team activated Christian Kirk from the reserve/injured; designated for return list on Saturday, putting him on track to play in the regular season finale against Tennessee (5-11). Jacksonville (9-7) needs to beat the Titans to win the AFC South for the second consecutive season. A loss wouldn’t necessarily eliminate the Jaguars from the playoffs, but they wouldn’t be able to win the division with a loss.

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UPDATE: Kirk was designated as inactive for Sunday’s game against the Titans

Kirk missed four games while recovering from groin surgery following a core muscle injury in a Monday Night Football game against Cincinnati. He returned to the practice field this week.

Jacksonville went 1-3 in those games as it struggled to generate any sort of consistent offense. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence remains a game-time decision while trying to return from a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder.

Kirk has 787 yards receiving on 57 catches and three touchdowns in his second season with the franchise.