Rookie Parker Washington comes through for the Jaguars after injury to Christian Kirk

Parker Washington was sorely needed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on offense Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals after Christian Kirk went down in the first quarter with a groin injury.

Washington, a sixth-round draft pick from Penn State, came through, especially on his first NFL touchdown in the third quarter and a clutch fumble recovery to preserve a drive that ended in Brandon McManus’ game-tying field goal.

Washington’s efforts and that of the rest of the offense went for naught as the Bengals won 34-31 in overtime on a 48-yard field goal by former Florida Gator Evan McPherson — the second time McPherson has beaten the Jaguars on a walk-off field goal.

He kicked a 36-yarder on the final play of regulation in 2021 to beat the Jaguars 24-21 in Cincinnati on a Thursday night game.

Bengals 34, Jaguars 31: Jags lose Trevor Lawrence to ankle injury, fall to Bengals on MNF

“It was a tough loss … definitely wanted to get that one,” said Washington, who caught six passes for 61 yards, highlighted by his 14-yard TD reception that tied the game 21-21. “I just had to step up tonight. [Kirk] got hurt. I just wanted to help the team the best I could.”

Parker Washington had to step in early

Kirk was injured on the Jags’ first offensive play of the game, coming down hard after catching a 26-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence. On the next possession, Washington caught his first pass as a pro, for a modest 6 yards.

Washington’s first NFL touchdown came on a third-and-nine with 5:26 left in the third period. He motioned right, swept around the corner into the end zone and caught a pass that Lawrence floated over defender Dax Hill.

Washington reached out for the ball with his left hand, bobbled it for a split-second, then gathered it in while falling to the ground near the back of the end zone. He landed with both knees inbounds.

When asked what he was thinking when the ball was in the air, Washington said: “I can’t let this one … it’s an opportunity. Those don’t come around a lot. I just want to make a play.”

He wasn’t sure he was inbounds until he saw an official raise his arms.

“I got the signal,” he said. “I got the signal and I was like, ‘let’s go …’ so it was exciting.”

Washington’s fumble recovery kept a drive alive

However, Washington made another big play that didn’t involve being a wide receiver or a returner (where he has been filling in for the injured Jamal Agnew).

When the Jaguars started their final drive in regulation with 2:28 left, backup quarterback C.J. Beathard scrambled for a 6-yard gain. Cincinnati linebacker Logan Wilson stripped Beathard of the ball, cornerback D.J. Turner II had a chance to recover it, but let the ball slip through his fingers, and Washington finally pounced on it.

It kept the possession alive and Washington later caught an 8-yard pass three plays before McManus sent the game into overtime.

“We’re coached to be around the football,” Washington said. “I didn’t know if it was a fumble or not. But being around the football saves the game.”

Washington has had a rough start to rookie year

Washington has been waiting a long time to contribute for the Jaguars.

He was inactive for the first three games of the season, then made his NFL debut against Buffalo in London. Washington injured his knee on his first NFL touch, a punt return, and spent four weeks on injured reserve.

Washington played against Tennessee with no stats and showed some spark with a 22-yard punt return against Houston.

But being a rookie, he still made some mistakes — which he readily admitted.

Washington tried to return a kickoff out of the end zone, and made it only to the Jags’ 16-yard line. However, that was the possession that ended in his touchdown reception.

Washington also muffed a punt near the end of the third quarter but fell on the ball.

“I made a couple of mistakes out there,” he said. “I just need to be ready to work and get better and continue to grow.”