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Jaguars Face Key Questions After Finalizing 53-Man Roster

The Jaguars have finalized their roster but face several pressing questions.

Tessa Ortiz

September 1, 20262 min read

The Jacksonville Jaguars have completed their 53-man roster and practice squad, but several significant questions remain regarding the team's composition for the upcoming season.

One major concern is the depth at linebacker. Following the departure of Devin Lloyd in free agency, the Jaguars have only five linebackers on their roster, with limited starting experience among them. Foyesade Oluokun, Dennis Gardeck, and Jahlani Tavai are the only players with extensive experience, while younger players Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs are still developing.

The lack of depth at this position raises concerns about the team's ability to cope with potential injuries.

In terms of player health, running back LeQuint Allen Jr. and offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen are both positive developments for the Jaguars. Neither player carries an injury designation as they approach Week 0. Van Lanen, who has not yet participated in team drills since being activated from the Active/PUP list, is expected to be the starting right tackle once he returns.

Head coach Liam Coen indicated that Van Lanen will need to practice in Week 1 to confirm his status for the game against the Cleveland Browns on September 13. Allen, who missed part of training camp due to a soft tissue injury, is crucial for the Jaguars' offense, particularly as a passing-down back.

The recent release of 2025 draft picks Jack Kiser and Jalen McLeod has sparked discussion about the Jaguars' draft success. Both players were released due to injuries, with Kiser not returning after being hurt on the first day of camp and McLeod missing significant time in his rookie year and this year's training camp.

This raises questions about whether the team should retain players with injury histories simply because of their draft status.

Finally, there are opportunities for improvement at tight end and cornerback. The Jaguars could enhance their roster by addressing the No. 4 tight end and No. 5 cornerback positions, as Quintin Morris and Christian Braswell appear to be the last players on the depth chart. Jabbar Muhammad remains on the practice squad and could be elevated to bolster the team’s options.

Further details on these matters are not yet clear.

Source: Sports Illustrated.

Sources

https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/onsi/jacksonville-4-biggest-questions-facing-after-trimming-roster-cole-van-lanen-status

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Tessa Ortiz

Tessa Ortiz covers Nocatee high school and area college sports.

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