Cecil Shorts: (Concussion) Shut Down by Jaguars

Shorts (concussion) has been placed on IR by the Jaguars.

Analysis: To replace him on their active roster, the Jags signed Jerrell Jackson from their practice squad. Though the team's 2-13 season has been dismal overall, Shorts' breakout has been a bright spot. He finishes the season with 55 catches for 979 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games.

Shorts is in the NFL's concussion program once again, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Given that Shorts dealt with a concussion earlier this month, it seems very likely that the 2-13 Jaguars will hold him out of their season finale. Assuming that's the case, Jordan Shipley could be worth a Week 17 dart for those scrambling to replace Shorts.

Cecil Shorts: Another Concussion

Shorts left Sunday's game against the Patriots with a concussion following a fourth quarter hit from Patrick Chung.

Analysis: Since Shorts (who caught six passes for 54 yards Sunday) dealt with a concussion earlier this month, the Jaguars will likely hold him out of their season finale.

Shorts should continue hot streak

In his Week 16 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, Michael Fabiano notes Shorts "has a great matchup against the Patriots, who have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to wideouts." FULL START 'EM, SIT 'EM

Analysis: Shorts has been one of the best waiver-wire pick ups of the season, scoring double-digit fantasy points in five straight games and seven of his last eight overall.

Patriots slumping vs. WRs

In his Week 16 "Fantasy Mailbag", Michael Fabiano notes the Patriots defense "has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wideouts on the road in 2012. Furthermore, this unit has surrendered fewer than 20 fantasy points to wideouts on the road just twice - and those contests came versus the pass-punchless Jets and Miami Dolphins." READ: MAILBAG

Analysis: Shorts has posted double-digit fantasy points in seven of his last eight games including five in a row, and this week's matchup against the New England Patriots is a favorable one.

Shorts (concussion) had six catches on 11 targets for 101 yards Sunday against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Shorts was limited in practice this week but that didn't slow him down Sunday. It was his fourth 100-yard game this year and he has blossomed into a potential star for the Jaguars opposite Justin Blackmon. If the team can gets its quarterback situation under control, Shorts could see his fantasy value rise even higher.

Cecil Shorts: (Concussion) Active Sunday

Shorts (concussion) is active for Sunday's game at Miami.

Analysis: The team held Shorts back in practice a bit this week, but the rising star is ready to go against the Dolphins if you were looking to start him.

Shorts (concussion) practiced fully Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: The Jaguars' injury report tends to be pretty straightforward these days, so there's no reason to believe that Shorts won't be out there Sunday, though it's still worth verifying his status prior to Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff just to be sure.

Cecil Shorts: (Concussion) No Lock to Play Sunday

Though Shorts (concussion) was cleared for limited practice work, his status for Sunday's game against the Dolphins remains uncertain, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: With the experience of teammate Laurent Robinson (who has struggled with multiple concussions) as well as that of former Jags' linebacker Clint Session (waived by the team after a slow recovery from his concussion issues) in mind, Shorts, who was limited at practice Thursday, seems inclined to proceed with caution here. "[Robinson] told me to take my time and not rush back — he's an example and Clint Session is an example," Shorts noted as the 2-11 Jaguars prepare for Sunday's game. "I'm definitely going to be smart about this. As much as I want to play and would like to play, my health is more important."

Coach Mike Mularkey noted that while Shorts (concussion) will practice this week, the team will be cautious with the wideout, John Oehser of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: With the Jaguars 2-11, a cautious approach with Shorts makes a ton of sense, so while the wideout has a shot to play Sunday against the Dolphins, he's definitely not close to being a lock to suit up. Much will depend on how well he feels both during and after practice in the coming days.

Shorts (concussion) has been declared symptom-free and is cleared to play, Mark Long of the Associated press reports.

Analysis: Shorts missed Sunday's game against the Jets but it sounds like the Jags' leading receiver could be back in action Sunday depending on his practice status leading up to kickoff.

Jags battling injuries

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (concussion) and running back Rashad Jennings (concussion) have been ruled out for Sunday's tilt against the Jets. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) also remains out. FULL INJURY ROUNDUP

Analysis: Montell Owens will carry the load against a Jets defense allowing an average of 137 yards per game and 12 touchdowns this season. Justin Blackmon might have a tougher day as the lone threat out wide. The Jets passing defense is allowing just 198 yards passing per game.

Cecil Shorts: Ruled Out This Week

Shorts (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Coach Mike Mularkey noted that Shorts passed a concussion test earlier this week, but is still experiencing symptoms. With Shorts out this week, Kevin Elliott and Jordan Shipley are in line for extra looks Sunday, but neither are especially high-percentage plays in the fantasy playoffs. We'll revisit Shorts' status for Week 15's game against the Dolphins in the coming days, but with the Jags 2-10, we suspect that the team will play it safe with Shorts if his symptoms linger in the least bit.

Shorts (concussion) was not at Friday's practice, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Shorts was unable to practice this week, so it's unlikely that he will take the field Sunday against the Jets. Shorts' official status will be announced later Friday.

Cecil Shorts: (Concussion) Not Practicing

Shorts (concussion) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: Obviously, what Shorts does (or doesn't do Friday) will be key with regards to his chances of playing Sunday against the Jets. That said, with the Jags 2-10, we doubt the team will rush Shorts back. Kevin Elliott and Jordan Shipley are next up for targets opposite Justin Blackmon if Shorts is sidelined this week.

Shorts (concussion) won't practice Wednesday, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: The report notes that Shorts has passed his concussion test, but still has symptoms, which is a tad confusing, but either way, the wideout's Week 14 status is unclear. If Shorts is unavailable Sunday against the Jets, then it could lead to added opportunities for the likes of Kevin Elliot and Jordan Shipley.

Shorts suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the Bills, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Shorts was in good spirits following the game, but he'll need to pass all the necessary tests associated with a concussion if he hopes to play Week 14. Consider him questionable until we see how he progresses throughout the week.

Cecil Shorts: Exits Sunday's Game

Shorts was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Bills with a head injury, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: Shorts had seven catches for 77 yards with a TD on Sunday prior to his exit, but if he ends up being diagnosed with a concussion, then his status for next week's game against the Jets could be impacted.

Cecil Shorts: (Hamstring) Active

Shorts (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game at Buffalo.

Analysis: Shorts has been a solid producer this season and has touchdowns in three straight games, averaging 97 yards receiving over that stretch. He is safe to use as you normally would, in this favorable matchup with the Bills.

Jags WRs thriving with Henne at the helm

In his Week 13 "Like/Dislike" analysis, Adam Rank notes, "Justin Blackmon has 12 receptions for 298 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games. In the last two weeks, he has the second-most receiving yards in the NFL." Teammate Cecil Shorts has been on a hot streak as well, notching double-digit fantasy points in three straight games and five of his last six overall. READ: LIKE/DISLIKE

Analysis: Michael Fabiano points out in his Week 13 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis "The Bills have given up 14 touchdowns to wideouts this season - that's tied for the seventh-most in the NFL."

Shorts (hamstring) and Justin Blackmon, who returned to practice Friday, will both play Sunday against the Bills, according to coach Mike Mularkey, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Mularkey noted that the two receivers took Thursday off as "precaution," after a physical practice on Wednesday, but both appear set to play Sunday, while being officially listed as probable.

Shorts (hamstring) participated during Friday's practice, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: This is an upgrade for Shorts, who missed Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury. Check Friday's injury report to see how he is officially listed and whether he was a limited or full participant during Friday's practice.

Shorts (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: Both Shorts and Justin Blackmon were new additions to the Jags' injury report Thursday, so this is a situation worth monitoring closely as Sunday's game against the Bills approaches. Next up on the Jags' wideout depth chart are Kevin Elliott and Jordan Shipley.

Jags WRs thriving with Henne at the helm

Cecil Shorts led all Jaguars receivers with 105 yards receiving and a touchdown against the Titans on Sunday. Not to be overshadowed, Justin Blackmon also continued his resurgence, adding 62 yards and a score as well. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis: The emergence of Chad Henne has been a boon for Blackmon and Shorts owners the last two weeks. With a matchup against the Bills in Week 13, their success could continue.

Shorts caught four passes on a team-high seven targets for 105 yards and one touchdown Sunday against the Titans as the Jags recorded their second win of the season.

Analysis: Shorts continued his stunning sophomore season with his third 100-yard game and didn't skip a beat with Blaine Gabbert (elbow) sidelined. Shorts has gone for 79, 116, 56, 105, 81 and 105 yards in his last six starts with four touchdowns over that span, and has clearly established himself as the Jags' No. 1 receiver.

Gabbert, Robinson to IR

The Jaguars placed Gabbert on injured reserve Wednesday, citing the right forearm injury he suffered in Week 11 and the lingering left shoulder pain that sidetracked his season. The team also placed receiver Laurent Robinson on IR with concussion symptoms. FULL REPORT

Analysis: Fantasy owners can now trust in Chad Henne to be the starter moving forward. The same goes for the likes of Cecil Shorts. With Henne lighting it up last week, Justin Blackmon will deserve consideration as a starter depending on the matchup.

Shorts caught three passes on six targets for 81 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Texans.

Analysis: Shorts' touchdown was a 67-yarder in the second quarter from backup quarterback Chad Henne, who came on for the injured Blaine Gabbert. It was a very good day for Shorts, although it will surely be overshadowed by rookie Justin Blackmon, who finished with 236 receiving yards and a touchdown of his own.

Shorts caught six passes for 105 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's loss to Indianapolis.

Analysis: Shorts was having a quiet evening until a garbage time hook up with back-up Chad Henne rewarded fantasy owners with a touchdown. Shorts' performance Thursday was just the second time all year the Jags have had a receiver go over 100 yards (Shorts also did it Week 8 in Green Bay). Laurent Robinson saw 15 targets to Shorts' 13, but it was a better balance than Week 9's nine targets to Robinson and four to Shorts.

Shorts caught three passes for 56 yards during Sunday's 31-14 loss to Detroit.

Analysis: With Laurent Robinson returning from a head injury, Shorts saw just four targets to Robinson's nine Sunday, despite remaining in the starting lineup. It's a trend to keep an eye on if you picked up Shorts as a potential sneaky play, as he didn't emerge as a reliable weapon until Robinson went down.

Shorts caught three passes for 56 yards during Sunday's 31-14 loss to Detroit.

Analysis: With Laurent Robinson returning from a head injury, Shorts saw just four targets to Robinson's nine Sunday despite Shorts remaining the starter. It's a trend to keep an eye on if you picked up Shorts as a potential sneaky play, as Shorts didn't emerge as a reliable weapon until Robinson went down.

Shorts a Week 9 sleeper

In his "Week 9 Sleepers" analysis, fantasy expert Adam Rank notes, "He's put together a nice run of games recently and he is having the season the team probably expected out of Justin Blackmon. The Jaguars will be at home against the Lions who don't play pass defense very well, and will be outdoors. If you don't go in on Shorts this week, you probably won't get a chance again." READ: WEEK 9 SLEEPERS

Analysis: Shorts has now posted two straight games of 11-plus fantasy points and has become the team's most productive receiver. That said, playing for a struggling offense, opportunities might be limited for him moving forward.

Shorts will remain the team's starting outside receiver even with Laurent Robinson expected back from a concussion this week, John Oehser of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Shorts has had a lot of success working as the starting receiver with Robinson banged up. In his last two games, the second-year receiver has tallied 195 yards with one touchdown and has displayed excellent chemistry with QB Blaine Gabbert. He's still a risky play because of the up-and-down nature of Jacksonville's passing game, but he's proving to be the most reliable of the team's receivers.

Cecil Shorts: Jaguars' First 100-Yard Receiver in 2012

Shorts caught eight passes for 116 yards during the Jags' 24-15 loss to Green Bay on Sunday.

Analysis: Shorts has established himself as the clear No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville and as the team's best deep threat. In two games as a starter, Shorts has 195 yards with one touchdown and saw a team-high 12 targets from Blaine Gabbert on Sunday. If you're going to risk rolling with a Jacksonville receiver (always dangerous with the up-and-down Blaine Gabbert at the helm), Shorts is the guy you probably want right now.

Cecil Shorts: Role Increases

Shorts caught four passes for 79 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Raiders.

Analysis: Shorts, who received the starting nod for the first time this season, got behind the defense for a 42-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Like most of the offense, Shorts was rendered ineffective in the second half with Chad Henne under center, but it appears that Shorts has made his case to start going forward despite a key late fumble, as the sophomore WR saw a team-high 10 targets.

Cecil Shorts: Opportunity Knocks

Shorts is expected to replace Laurent Robinson (concussion) in the starting lineup when the Jaguars next play Week 7 against Oakland, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: We've been hearing since Week 1 that the coaching staff plans to involve Shorts more in the offense, though it had yet to translate into more snaps in game situations. That could change with Robinson expected to miss more time and Mike Thomas' poor showing thus far. Shorts has shown good chemistry with Blaine Gabbert and has been the team's most explosive receiving playmaker this season, catching two last-minute touchdowns over a three-week span, and hauling in an impressive one-handed 34-yard grab against Chicago. Shorts and Justin Blackmon will likely be the team's top receiving targets heading into Week 7.

Shorts caught two passes on three targets for 43 yards Sunday, including a spectacular one-handed, 34-yard grab in the second quarter.

Analysis: The Jaguars continue to speak of getting Shorts more involved, but even with Laurent Robinson out with a concussion, Shorts saw just three targets Sunday. He's making a case that he's one of the team's most reliable receivers even with his limited snap counts, but Blaine Gabbert continues to be too unreliable to have much faith in Jacksonville's young receiving corps, especially outside of keeper leagues.

Shorts saw more offensive snaps Sunday (20) than Mike Thomas (15), and this could be a trend to watch, especially with Laurent Robinson's concussion, Mark Long of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Coach Mike Mularkey spoke of wanting to get Shorts more involved after Week 1, but the sophomore out of Mount Union has only been on the field for 24-percent of the team's offensive snaps. If Robinson misses any game time as a result of his head injury, Shorts is likely to be a beneficiary of his absence.

Shorts had one reception for 80 yards and a touchdown as the Jags rallied to defeat the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: For the second time in three weeks, Shorts hauled in a last-minute touchdown pass from Blaine Gabbert, but the sophomore's lack of targets (two) and Gabbert's inconsistency make him a highly risky fantasy play in most formats.

Shorts was held without a catch during Sunday's loss to Minnesota.

Analysis: Shorts followed up an impressive season debut with a clunker Sunday, though QB Blaine Gabbert only looked his way twice. Coach Mike Mularkey said this week he hopes to involve Shorts more, but with the team running just 38 offensive plays, it's hard to make a clear judgment from Sunday's performance about what type of role Shorts will have going forward.

Coach Mike Mularkey was impressed with Shorts' performance Sunday and hopes to find ways to better involve the second-year receiver going forward, John Oehser of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Shorts led the Jags in receiving yards with four catches for 74 yards and added an outstanding last-second touchdown catch despite being on the field for just 14 of 81 offensive snaps. Shorts will have to work his way onto the field more consistently to have real value but he's a name to keep an eye on for the waiver wire down the line.

Shorts had four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Shorts led the Jaguars in receiving yards and was second in targets Sunday. His touchdown was a 39-yard catch with twenty seconds left in the fourth quarter, giving the Jaguars a lead they would eventually give up. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert looked much better Sunday than he did all of last year and if he can continue to develop, there should be room for Shorts to grow too.

Shorts finished Friday's preseason win with two catches for 10 yards, one touchdown, one rush for nine yards and a lost fumble.

Analysis: Shorts displayed the chemistry with Blaine Gabbert that we've been hearing about throughout much of the offseason as the two connected on a well-placed ball in the end zone on the Jags' opening drive. Shorts later fumbled on an end-around and will probably struggle early on as he continues to put it all together, but he's almost assuredly a roster lock at this point and could become an integral part of the passing game as the season progresses.

Shorts is practicing with the first team in training camp while Justin Blackmon remains unsigned, the Florida-Times Union reports.

Analysis: Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson are shoo-ins for the two starting wideout jobs in Jacksonville, assuming Blackmon signs within the next few weeks. Shorts has a shot to win the No. 3 job, but that probably won't lead to much production in this offense. Mike Thomas is off to a poor start at training camp, but has a decent track record, and is Shorts' primary competition for the third receiver spot.

Shorts could end up taking some snaps behind center out of the Wildcat formation this year, Jags' coach Mike Mularkey noted to the Florida Times-Union.

Analysis: Shorts was a high school quarterback, and Mularkey used the Wildcat with some success in Pittsburgh with Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El. Shorts' value as a receiver has been greatly diminished with the addition of Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson, so this could provide a much-needed shot to his career.

Shorts finished 2011 with two receptions for 30 yards and one touchdown.

Analysis: The Jags had high hopes for Shorts in 2011, but a hamstring injury pretty much made his rookie season a lost year. The team will probably keep him around in 2012, but he is a long way from fantasy relevance.

Shorts (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Colts, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: We'll see what the Jags' receiving corps looks like in 2012, but Shorts figures to compete for an expanded role, in any case.

Shorts (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Shorts is looking pretty iffy for Sunday's game against the Colts, though he'd be a major fantasy dart anyway, even if he does suit up.

Shorts (hamstring) is out for Saturday's game against the Titans, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: With just two catches in 10 games to date this season, Shorts is not likely on the radar of too many in re-draft leagues, but we'd imagine that he'll have every chance to carve out a more significant role in the Jags' offense next season.

Shorts (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: Having not practiced yet this week, Shorts is iffy, at best, for Saturday's game against the Titans.

Shorts (hamstring) will not play Thursday against the Falcons, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: With fellow wideout Mike Thomas also out, the Jags will be thin at wideout this week. Jarrett Dillard, Kassim Osgood and Chastin West will lead the Jags' receiving corps Thursday, with Taylor Price likely to make his Jags' debut as well.

Shorts (hamstring) didn't practice on Tuesday, according to the Florida Times-Union.

Analysis: Don't expect Shorts to be ready to go for Thursday's game, especially so recently after injuring his hamstring on Sunday. Jarrett Dillard will return punts in his absence.

Shorts (hamstring) is day-to-day, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Fellow wideout Mike Thomas is as well, which could be a dicey situation, with the Jags set to play again Thursday against the Falcons.

Short (hamstring) is scheduled to have an MRI on his hamstring, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: Shorts' MRI will determine the severity of the injury, which was an unfortunate development for the Jags as fellow receiver Mike Thomas suffered a concussion, too.

Shorts left Sunday's game against the Bucs with a hamstring injury, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: A tough break for Shorts, as starting wideout Mike Thomas was knocked out of the game with a concussion.

Shorts (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Shorts will be ready for Sunday's game if you need him. With just two receptions on the year, both over his last two games, you should have better options at your disposal.

Shorts (hamstring) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Bucs, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: Shorts is getting more involved in the Jags' offense, but he's still behind Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard in the pecking order for targets.

Shorts (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Jaguars' official site reports.

Analysis: Shorts scored a five-yard touchdown Monday against the Chargers, but it came on his only target of the night, with fellow wideouts Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard combining for 13 targets.

Shorts will become the Jaguars' third receiver after the release of Jason Hill, according to the Florida Times-Union.

Analysis: Shorts' impact this season has been minimal, and the Jags' passing woes limit his ceiling. Still, he could be a player on the rise in 2012.

Shorts (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Analysis: Shorts has yet to catch a pass this season, so he's not a fantasy consideration at this stage of his young career.

Shorts (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Analysis: More often than not a "probable" designation is a pretty good sign that a players will be active. Shorts is a non-factor in the Jags' passing game, however, with no catches and just six total targets on the season.

Shorts (hamstring) is probable for Sunday's game against Cleveland, Jaguars.com reports.

Analysis: Shorts was able to turn in full practices on both Thursday and Friday and it looks like he'll be able to go Sunday. He has been used mainly as a punt returner this year (50 total punt return yards, no receptions) and doesn't figure to have any impact even if he plays.

Shorts (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday according to the official injury report.

Analysis: Shorts has yet to catch a pass for the Jaguars and has only been targeted seven times in seven games. Don't expect much out of him even if he can return to the field.