JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars roll out the welcome mat amidst the construction zone that is EverBank Stadium for Friday night’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
It’s all about the depth and roster position battles for the Jaguars as they look to firm up decisions on their 53-man roster choices. Fans hoping to see the big names like Trevor Lawrence and Travis Hunter may not have that opportunity. Preseason games are often short on the headliners and long on names that only hard-core fans will recognize.
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That probably won’t change when the Jaguars take the field at 7:30 p.m.
Head coach Liam Coen said on Wednesday that he was still uncertain if he was going to play the starters in Friday’s game after the teams had a spirited joint practice at the Miller Electric Center.
Get there early
Construction in and around EverBank Stadium is going to make this season an exercise in patience for fans. Stadium capacity is down to 42,507 as the upper decks have been off limits due to construction. That shouldn’t be much of an issue in the preseason, but it will be something to watch in the regular season. The team will play home games in 2027 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Watch and listen to the game
The game will be televised on CBS 47 or on Fubo where fans can watch with a free trial. On the radio, the game will be available on 1010AM and 92.5 FM.
Last game
The Jaguars beat the Saints 24-20 in Week 1 of the preseason. The Panthers lost to the Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, 33-30.
Offensive line shuffling
The Jaguars have been shuffling things along the offensive line, including a trade for Giants offensive lineman Daniel Faalele on Wednesday and signing another for that unit Thursday in Timothy McKay. Jacksonville did activate Cole Van Lanen from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday. He’s been out since injuring his knee (and eventually having surgery) in Week 18 last season.
The Jaguars have had some tough injury situations across the line during training camp, including projected starter Patrick Mekari undergoing back surgery this week. His availability for the season remains a question. Those musical chairs along the line have allowed rookie Emmanuel Pregnon and second-year player Jonah Monheim to see the field more.
Room for rookie at RB?
Undrafted free agent J’Mari Taylor led the team in rushing in a 24-20 preseason opening win against the Saints. Taylor was likely on the outside of the roster looking in to start training camp but could find a path to the 53-man roster. Second-year running back LeQuint Allen Jr. will miss the rest of the preseason with a soft tissue injury, so that may create an opportunity for Taylor to make the team. He’s also competing with veterans Deejay Dallas and Ameer Abdullah for a spot.
What’s the status at backup QB?
Backup Nick Mullens had a miserable preseason opener before leaving with an injury. Carter Bradley played better in relief, but that came against second- and third-teamers. At this point, Mullens is probably safe as Trevor Lawrence’s backup. But continued poor play may force Coen and general manager James Gladstone to explore alternatives.
Biggest roster battles
In terms of starting positions, the biggest competition comes at linebacker where Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs are vying to replace Devin Lloyd. Miller has more experience and is better against the run. Combs, who played receiver early in college before switching to linebacker, is much better in pass coverage. Miller likely has a small edge at this point but hasn’t locked up anything yet.
Rookies who have shined in camp
Receivers CJ Williams and Josh Cameron have turned in more than a few highlight plays. Pregnon started slow but had a solid preseason debut against New Orleans. Cameron has an avenue to more playing time since he is in the conversation for a role as a punt returner. Tight ends Tanner Koziol and Nate Boerkircher have also flashed at points in camp.