Jacksonville’s first-teamers haven’t had the best showing in the preseason. In the losses against Cleveland and New Orleans, the Jaguars allowed their opponent to move quickly down the field and couldn’t get much going on the offensive side of the ball themselves.
For Jags fans looking for reassurance that the team will take a major leap forward, there hasn’t been much to grasp onto through the first two games. But according to coach Urban Meyer, there will be another chance. At his press conference on Wednesday, he said that healthy starters will play in the final preseason game.
“My anticipation is, [if] you’re ready to play, you gotta play,” Meyer said.
Starting edge rusher Josh Allen remains on the COVID-19/Reserve list, and interior offensive lineman Andrew Norwell likely won’t play due to injury. Center Brandon Linder could be on the same boat. Left tackle Cam Robinson, who also missed the game against New Orleans, is expected to play in the final game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Meyer said that the potential season-ending foot sprain that rookie running back Travis Etienne suffered in the last game has impacted his decision a bit, but that he decides to stop playing guys when he feels that they’re game-ready.
“It’s all with the position,” Meyer said. “Our job — the term that I’ve always used is ‘game-ready.’ Once someone’s game-ready, they’re done. We’re a young team right now.”
Players that Meyer said are game-ready (or close) right now include Linder, Marvin Jones Jr., and Myles Jack. Allowing starters to see preseason action is always a gamble, but this is also a team that doesn’t have many players who can afford to turn down reps.
It will be interesting to see how long the healthy starters play on Sunday, but Meyer surely wants to see more from his ones before the start of the regular season.