JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jaguars placed rookie cornerback CJ Henderson on injured reserve with a groin injury three days before the team's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Henderson, the ninth overall pick in the NFL draft, was limited in practice Wednesday and did not practice Thursday. He has six pass breakups and one interception and has started eight games this season. He missed the Week 5 game at Houston with a shoulder injury.
Henderson's best game was the season opener, when he had five tackles, an interception and three pass breakups, including one on fourth down late in the fourth quarter that sealed an upset victory against the Indianapolis Colts -- the only win of the season for the Jaguars (1-8).
The Jaguars on Thursday also designated cornerback D.J. Hayden (hamstring) to return from injured reserve. The team has 21 days to promote him to the active roster. If Hayden is able to play Sunday, he would likely resume his role at nickel back, while Tre Herndon would slide outside to replace Henderson.