Roster Decisions Loom After Second Preseason Outing
The Jacksonville Jaguars face an imminent roster reduction from 90 to 53 players one week after their second preseason game, a contest against the Carolina Panthers that provided fresh evaluations of the 2026 squad. As reported by Sports Illustrated, the game and accompanying practices clarified several position battles and injury situations heading into the final cutdown period. The projections reflect performances observed in training camp and the preseason, including standout showings and setbacks that have altered earlier outlooks.
Trevor Lawrence completed a solid training camp as the starter, according to Sports Illustrated, while veteran backup Nick Mullens rebounded with an impressive performance against the Panthers after a difficult first preseason outing. In the competition for a practice-squad quarterback role, Carter Bradley received more practice repetitions than undrafted rookie Joey Aguilar, though Aguilar made the stronger impression in the game itself.
Running Back Group Reshaped by Departure and Injuries
A central development this offseason has been the departure of Travis Etienne Jr., who signed a four-year, $47.4 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, as detailed by Newsweek. Etienne had been a heavy contributor for Jacksonville, averaging at least 1,400 scrimmage yards, 250 total touches, and five touchdowns in three of his four seasons from 2022 through 2025. Newsweek noted that the move left the Jaguars turning to recent draft selections Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen along with free-agent addition Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Sports Illustrated projects a four-man running back group of Tuten, Rodriguez, Allen, and Ameer Abdullah. Allen sustained a soft-tissue injury earlier in the week and is expected to miss the remainder of training camp, leaving his availability for the season opener against the Cleveland Browns uncertain. Abdullah impressed against Carolina and has secured a projected final roster spot in the updated outlook.
Rodriguez, listed at 5-foot-11 and 224 pounds and age 25, signed a two-year, $10 million deal and appeared in 13 games in 2025 with 500 rushing yards, three receptions for 30 yards, and six touchdowns, according to Newsweek. He was the only outside free-agent addition to receive guaranteed money from the Jaguars. Newsweek highlighted his prior connection to head coach Liam Coen, who served as offensive coordinator at Kentucky in 2021 and called plays during Rodriguez’s 1,379-yard, 12-touchdown season. Expectations center on Rodriguez and the other backs helping recreate elements of that production in 2026.
Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, and Offensive Line
Sports Illustrated lists the projected wide receiver group as Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Josh Cameron, and CJ Williams. Meyers is dealing with an injury whose seriousness and recovery timeline remain unclear. At tight end, the projection includes Brenton Strange, Nate Boerkircher, and Tanner Koziol.
The offensive line projection from Sports Illustrated features Cole Van Lanen, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Anton Harrison, Walker Little, Emmanuel Pregnon, Jonah Monheim, Wyatt Milum, and Daniel Faalele. Van Lanen has returned from injury at offensive tackle, and the team acquired Faalele via trade. Patrick Mekari is expected to open the season on injured reserve, while Chuma Edoga sits on the roster bubble.
Defensive Front and Linebackers
On the edge, Sports Illustrated projects Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Danny Striggow, B.J. Green, Wesley Williams, and Zach Durfee. The interior defensive line group consists of DaVon Hamilton, Arik Armstead, Ruke Orhorhoro, Albert Regis, and Matt Dickerson, with Dickerson now viewed as the No. 3 defensive tackle.
The linebacker projection includes Foyesade Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, Dennis Gardeck, Jahlani Tavai, Branson Combs, and Yasir Abdullah. Jack Kiser is expected to begin the season on injured reserve; if healthy he would alter the depth chart. Tavai would be retained in the event Kiser lands on injured reserve, and Yasir Abdullah holds a slight edge over Jalen McLeod for a spot.
Secondary and Specialists
Sports Illustrated identifies the cornerback group as Travis Hunter, Montaric Brown, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, and Jabbar Muhammad, with the first four spots considered locked. Muhammad and Christian Braswell are next in line, and a waiver-wire addition remains possible. The safety projection comprises Antonio Johnson, Eric Murray, Caleb Ransaw, Rayuan Lane, and Jalen Huskey.
Specialists are projected as kicker Cam Little, punter Logan Cooke, and long snapper Ross Matiscik. Little has converted nearly every kick attempt during the evaluation period, per Sports Illustrated.
These projections, drawn from the second week of preseason work and the Panthers game, will continue to evolve as the Jaguars approach the mandatory reduction to 53 players. Performances, injury recoveries, and any late roster moves will determine the final composition of the 2026 roster.