Back to the Preseason Updates Landing Page.
One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
We got to see the closest iteration yet of the starters and backups, with Trevor Lawrence playing two series in the preseason finale. He completed 8-of-10 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, adding a carry for nine yards. He finishes the preseason 11-of-14 for 133 yards and three touchdown passes, putting a tidy bow on a summer where he looked like a genuine franchise quarterback. Backup Mac Jones went 13-of-18 for 113 yards and a passing touchdown, locking him in as the No. 2. Jones appears to be flourishing in his new situation, leading the league in passer rating this preseason, and still has hope to be a starter for another team in the future. Head coach Doug Pederson likes what Jones has done, noting, “Mac has played extremely well in the last couple of weeks and has really bought into what we do. He’ll have his Patriots ways moments every now and then, and we just remind him that he’s in Jacksonville now.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby are the top two options. After that, it’s up for grabs, but Gary Brightwell and D’Ernest Johnson both played most of the finale's second half. Johnson has played as a third-down back before and on special teams, which may give him an edge. Jalen Jackson and Keilan Robinson, both undrafted free agents, have taken a bit of a step back this preseason and should be practice squad players. Demetrius Harvey of Jacksonville.com predicts that Etienne, Bigsby, and Johnson will make the final roster.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Brian Thomas Jr. is a locked-in starter, which is incredibly encouraging news. The coaching staff has raved about him each week, and he’s had an impressive preseason. Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis are the other starters. Davis—considered the clear No. 3 after Thomas was drafted—had an especially good summer. Kirk hasn’t played much, dealing with an injury, which is something to monitor heading into Week 1. Parker Washington is the No. 4 receiver, a role that should still see him get some meaningful playing time. Devin Duvernay and Elijah Cooks should make the initial 53-man roster.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Evan Engram is a known asset, but it’s still encouraging to see him score two touchdowns in the preseason finale. The preseason usage shows backup Luke Farrell getting roughly 40% of snaps to Engram’s 60%, per PFF, but nothing suggests that Engram isn’t going to have another great season. SI’s John Shipley noted that the chemistry between Lawrence and Engram remains intact. Coach Pederson “loves the connection they bring as a complementary piece of the offense.” Brenton Strange and Josiah Deguara appear to be battling for the final roster spot. Strange played several snaps in Friday’s game, while Deguara didn’t.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense, a bottom-third unit in 2023, only allowed 20 total points this preseason, which is an encouraging first sign that new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen can right the ship. The rotation of defensive ends has been significant, allowing everyone to remain fresher. We have yet to see all eleven starters together. Travon Walker and Maason Smith had great performances in Friday’s game. Walker recorded the only sack and helped hold the Falcons to only one converted third down in ten tries. Smith had some near sacks and spent plenty of time in the offensive backfield harassing the Falcons.
Preseason Updates: Returners
The team signed veteran return specialist Devin Duvernay this offseason to handle their punt and kickoff returns.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence did not play in the second preseason game. Lawrence has continued to look resurgent this summer, forming a strong connection with rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. On the backup front, Mac Jones and C.J. Beathard played in this week’s game, with Jones drawing the start. Jones performed exceptionally well, completing 16-of-23 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. After the game, Jones noted, “It's a one-week season; everyone always says that. The preseason, too. You've got to stack good games and move on to the next game.” However, after taking multiple heavy hits, Beathard was forced out of the game with a groin injury.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Once again, Tank Bigsby was featured early and often. With the starters mostly getting the night off (Travis Etienne did not play), Bigsby had ten carries for 37 yards and added three catches for 19 more yards. There is a near-consensus among the Jaguars’ beat writers that Bigsby has had the best preseason and training camp among the backs. SI’s John Shipley noted that Bigsby’s rushing totals should be considered in light of the interior offensive line’s struggles, meaning he has been overcoming significant challenges. Undrafted rookie Jalen Jackson had eight carries in the game. With Keilan Robinson missing another game and in a boot at practice all this past week, it might be worth noting that Jackson and Elijah Collins seem to be battling for the No. 4 spot. As for the No. 3 slot, D’Ernest Johnson continues to see sparse, change-of-pace work, with three carries and one reception in this game. This backfield seems like Etienne and Bigsby have their roles locked in while the rest of the backs are playing a game of musical chairs, waiting for the music to end.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Gabe Davis and Christian Kirk got the night off, along with most starters. Curiously, Brian Thomas Jr. played 22 snaps, recording one catch for 14 yards. Thomas seems to be a starter based on his usage in the first preseason game, and there’s little cause for concern here. Despite playing with the backups, Thomas has shown he is ready for the NFL. Outside of Thomas, this game was a golden opportunity for the rest of the depth chart to show their mettle, and Parker Washington delivered. Washington recorded three catches for 38 yards and a touchdown. SI’s Kyle Nash noted, “Washington may be the heir apparent to Christian Kirk and plays like his 25-yard touchdown catch are why.” Austin Trammell had four catches for 75 yards, including a crucial catch late in the first half that set the Jaguars up for the halftime lead.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Like most of the other starters, Evan Engram and Luke Farrell got the night off. Coming off a solid performance last week, Josiah Deguara started against Tampa Bay but didn’t have any catches on a single target. It was a disappointing performance for the entire group, as Shawn Bowman was the only tight end to record a catch. Engram and Farrell have their regular-season roles solidified, with the rest of the group battling for scraps as the No. 3 option.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Rookie Cam Little continues to make the Jaguars look smart for drafting him in the sixth round and then making him the only kicker on the roster at the beginning of the preseason. He made both his field goal attempts and extra point attempts in the preseason win over Tampa Bay. It was also his 21st birthday. Little has made 35 of 43 attempts in camp and 16 of 21 from 50 yards or longer, and his only miss in the two preseason games was from 62 yards.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense had a strong performance in the win against the Buccaneers, limiting them to one touchdown. Veteran cornerback Tre Flowers played a significant role in making that happen. SI’s John Shipley noted that Flowers “was targeted five times but gave up only two catches for nine yards and no first downs. He forced two incompletions, tallied one defensive stop, and gave up just a 47.9 passer rating when targeted.” Flowers helped his case to make the 53-man roster with this performance. The defensive ends are rotating aggressively to generate constant pressure. Doug Pederson said, "Defensively, just keeping guys fresh. You see all the different rotations and substitutions that they do. Just keeps guys fresh for four quarters."
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
Right guard Brandon Scherff and new center Mitch Morse (Buffalo) are the high performers in this group. Both are aging and somewhat less explosive than they used to be, but they each fit uniquely well into Doug Pederson's scheme, which asks linemen to pull and move around. Right tackle Anton Harrison outperformed expectations as a rookie and should take the next step this season. On the left side, neither left tackle Cam Robinson nor left tackle Ezra Cleveland are high-upside prospects anymore, but each has rounded into decent players. Rookie Javon Foster (Round 4 – Missouri) lurks behind Robinson. The Jaguars' line ranks 17th overall.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence played two series in Saturday’s preseason action against the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 3 of 4 passes for 42 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown pass to Travis Etienne on a Texas route. Lawrence also connected on a 20-yard pass to Gabe Davis but took a sack that ended the drive and resulted in a turnover on downs. After the game, Lawrence said he didn’t regret taking the sack. Overall, his production in camp and preseason has been strong. Both C.J. Beathard and Mac Jones played multiple quarters in the game. Beathard went 7-of-14 for 125 yards and a touchdown, while Jones completed 9-of-11 passes for 98 yards. Despite their performances, SI’s John Shipley believes Jones will end up as the backup, with Beathard possibly serving as the third quarterback or heading to the practice squad.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The running backs saw a healthy amount of work against the Chiefs. Etienne started, catching a touchdown pass but only managing four carries for three yards. Tank Bigsby continued his bounce-back summer with three carries for 28 yards, including a 19-yarder. He also returned a kickoff for 44 yards and played a role on Parker Washington's kick return to start the game. D’Ernest Johnson and Jalen Jackson also had solid games, each with five carries—Johnson for 31 and Jackson for 29 yards. Johnson added a 23-yard reception. Keilan Robinson did not play, possibly due to an injury he was working back from last week.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Christian Kirk has had a solid camp and started the game alongside Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis. However, PFF’s Nate Jahnke noted that Kirk did not play during 12 personnel, with Davis and Thomas serving as the two receivers in that formation. Thomas made an impressive 41-yard catch, fighting off coverage for his first NFL reception. Head coach Doug Pederson spoke highly of Thomas after the game, saying, “Brian is going to be a big part of our offense,” and noting that they expect him to make big catches consistently. Parker Washington set up the first scoring drive with a 73-yard kick return, building on last year’s performance. Devin Duvernay also had a 35-yard touchdown catch.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
There could be a developing position battle at tight end. Evan Engram played 6 of 9 snaps with the starters, while Luke Farrell played three snaps. Engram, nearing 30 years old, may see a more restrained role. Josiah Deguara, who signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars this spring, had a highlight-reel catch over his shoulder with a defender closing in. Deguara received four targets to Farrell’s one and looked solid, making this a situation to monitor in case anything happens to Engram.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Cam Little looked strong in his Jaguars debut, making field goals from 31, 40, and 47 yards. Although he missed from 62 yards, he showed he has the leg to make such attempts, which is promising for the Jaguars’ long-distance kicking game. Little, selected in the sixth round, is on track to be the team’s Week 1 kicker.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Starters Tyson Campbell, Arik Armstead, and Darnell Savage did not play against the Chiefs. The game provided the first look at new coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s defense in action. Coach Pederson praised the rotation of pass rushers under Nielsen, saying, “It helps on third down when they're fresh and can get after the passer. It's just something that Ryan obviously believes in. I believe in it.” This depth could be crucial for the Jaguars, as Breeland Speaks, rookie Myles Cole, and D.J. Coleman all made plays. Speaks had a strong performance in relief, consistently beating the Chiefs’ third-string left tackle.
Preseason Updates: Returners
The Jaguars signed veteran return specialist Devin Duvernay this offseason to handle punt and kickoff returns.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
After a somewhat down year for the offense, where Trevor Lawrence faced challenges due to injuries, he has impressed early in camp. Jacksonville Florida Times-Union’s Juston Lewis noted that Doug Pederson challenged him and the other quarterbacks, and Lawrence has responded well, completing 54 of 65 passes with ten touchdowns and zero interceptions. Pederson said, “Look, I challenge him and all the quarterbacks because this is how I was challenged in camp.” Lawrence is also working to get his timing down with several new receivers. Backup Mac Jones has been “letting it fly,” with Mia O’Brien counting at least six deep downfield shots from the former Patriots’ signal-caller late in the week.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
As we moved into training camp, the running back room was pretty decided. Travis Etienne is the starter, coming off a highly efficient season where he flourished as a pass-catcher but saw less work down the stretch. Behind him are Tank Bigsby, D’Ernest Johnson, and rookie Keilan Robinson. As SI’s John Shipley noted, Bigsby is having a very solid camp so far, with long runs in several practices, impressive showings in short-yardage and red zone situations, and, more importantly, has not had any issues with drops or fumbles to this point so far. Press Taylor also spoke very highly of Bigsby, noting that the coaching staff trusts him and believes he will continue to get better every day. Johnson hasn’t had any miscues in camp either, with a few catches and a couple of touchdowns this past week in 11-on-11s. It appears he could be in the mix with Bigsby as the change-of-pace back for the Jaguars this season. Lastly, Robinson has been slowed by a toe injury in the last week but has shown glimpses of a very solid skill set. The Jaguars’ Wire’s Zach Goodall noted from his conversation with special teams coordinator Heath Farwell that Robinson was doing well as a punt returner in addition to his assumed kick returner role, and he could parlay good performances there into more work in the running game potentially.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
The wide receiver corps has had an up-and-down training camp so far, with rookie first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. having both good and bad practices. On Friday, SI’s John Shipley noted that Thomas looked smooth in one-on-ones against Ronald Darby and Gregory Junior. In 7-on-7s, Thomas beat fellow rookie Jarrian Jones off the line with a great release, catching a beautifully thrown ball from Trevor Lawrence for a 45-yard touchdown. Despite the good day, The Florida Times-Union’s Demetrius Harvey noted that Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor have a plan to ease rookies into the system, considering their long layoff. In other news, Christian Kirk claims he has "a little more bite to me this year." So far during camp, he has made plenty of catches and wants to make up for missing the latter portion of last season due to injury.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
It's been the Evan Engram show in camp so far. Ryan Green from 1010XL noted that Engram has been the first player on the field in nearly every session, resulting in several superb catches. Engram mentioned in a press conference that “there is still room for improvement” and that he needs to prove himself in practices with Trevor Lawrence. He also wants more vertical opportunities this season. Behind Engram, both Luke Farrell and Brenton Strange have been minimally involved, with Strange getting a few catches. The Jaguars waived/injured Josh Pederson, head coach Doug Pederson’s son, who will revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers. Patrick Murtaugh announced successful ankle surgery via Instagram. Press Taylor highlighted undrafted rookie Shawn Bowman as someone who "does all the right things."
Preseason Updates: Kickers
The team released Riley Patterson, which strongly indicates they intend to go with sixth-round pick Cam Little as their kicker. Special teams coach Heath Farwell joked that he had to be reminded that Little couldn’t legally drink yet. Head coach Doug Pederson said part of the reason they released Patterson was to give him a chance to catch on with another team, but also that they wanted Little to experience the pressure of being “the guy.” Pederson also asked the crowd to get loud before Little made a 51-yard attempt. Pederson also seemed pleased that Little had a 10-for-11 day on field goal attempts in camp. So far, so good.
Preseason Updates: Defense
So far, fourth-year safety Andre Cisco is having a memorable training camp. Adjusting to a new defensive scheme is never easy, but Cisco has praised new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s aggressive defense, noting that he has more responsibilities in the new scheme than the previous one. Safety Andrew Wingard will be out for a while with a knee injury. Nielsen has been experimenting with Devin Lloyd in different positions to “see where he’s best in the scheme we’re running” and that Lloyd is having a good camp. Former first-overall pick Travon Walker remarked that Nielsen’s defense allows him to just “play ball,” and he feels more explosive without having to drop into coverage.
