Urban Meyer talks about CJ Henderson’s surgery, future

Jacksonville put a lot of confidence into cornerback CJ Henderson when it selected him with the ninth overall pick in last year’s draft. The Jags were in desperate need of secondary help after trading star Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams, and the former Florida player was the best corner on the board.

As a rookie, Henderson battled through a shoulder injury and eventual groin injury that led to him landing on injured reserve. He played in just eight games, and his lone interception came in Week 1 in Jacksonville’s only win against the Colts. He finished the season with 36 tackles and six passes defensed.

Speaking to the media this week, new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer said he was encouraged by what Henderson showed as a rookie despite his limited action. He also revealed that Henderson had labrum surgery, which wasn’t previously known.

“I spent some time with CJ [Henderson]. My gosh, is he talented,” Meyer said. “I know Dan Mullen very well who’s coached him in college. He’s an integral part of this. Obviously, you spend a high draft pick on him and [he’s] a wonderful young man that dealt with some injury situations and missed some games near the end of the season.

He did have labrum surgery by the way, and everything came out fine. He’s actually in here rehabbing today, so we’re counting on him.”

For Jaguars fans, it should be encouraging to hear that Henderson’s rehabilitation process is going well, and that Meyer likes his potential. The team has high hopes for the former Gator, who will start again in 2021, but that begins with a step forward this season.