"After much reflection, I have realized that the man I currently aspire to be is no longer aligning with the person I must become to play this game," Linder said in a statement. "It is at this time that I have decided to close this chapter of my life and retire from the NFL." A third-round pick back in 2014, Linder started 88 games over eight seasons with the Jaguars. Linder was a quality player when on the field, but he played a full season only once and was limited to fewer than 10 games in three of his final four seasons. 

Recently back from injured reserve, Linder suffered a back injury last week and does not have a timetable for return. It is another blow to a struggling offense. 

Linder had just returned from injured reserve after suffering ankle and knee injuries early in the season. A quality center when healthy, Linder has struggled to stay on the field of late. His absence would be a blow to an already banged-up and struggling offensive line. 

It's a formality since coach Urban Meyer already told the media Linder would be sidelined for "4-5 weeks." One of the league's most impactful centers when healthy, the dropoff from Linder to backup Tyler Shatley is one that will likely hurt Jacksonville's pass-pro moving forward.