Full Breakdown
Jaguars’ Mandatory Minicamp Highlights Rookie Surge and Injury Updates
6/11/2026, 12:23:45 AM
Launching the Minicamp: Core Action
On the first day of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ three-day mandatory minicamp, the team ran 11-on-11 drills at the Miller Electric Center. Running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) repeatedly broke through the defense, while rookie wide receiver Josh Cameron (19) posted a touchdown in red-zone drills and several deep catches. The session also featured contributions from rookie receiver CJ Williams (sixth-round pick), tight end Tanner Koziol, and running back J’Mari Taylor (30), who matched Tuten’s explosiveness on the edges.
Background and Injury Landscape
The Jaguars entered minicamp after a limited offseason program. Free-agent running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. missed OTAs and the first practice due to an undisclosed injury, and second-year wide-receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter remained on the sidelines, focusing on mental reps. Head coach Liam Coen used the minicamp to gauge the health of these players and to assess depth at running back, where LeQuint Allen and Tuten have been primary contributors.
Standout Rookies and Emerging Contributors
- Josh Cameron – drafted in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, entered the camp after recovering from an ankle injury. He recorded a touchdown and multiple sideline receptions, including a deep catch described as “arguably the most impressive play anyone made on Tuesday.”
- CJ Williams – also a sixth-round pick, led practice receptions according to Coen, “leads the team in receptions in practice.”
- Tanner Koziol – a rookie tight end who scored a red-zone touchdown, showcasing “size, length and ability to climb the ladder on jump balls.”
- J’Mari Taylor – provided several edge runs comparable to Tuten’s, reinforcing the depth chart for the running back room.
Defensive Depth Showcases
Backup linebackers Branson Combs (second-year) and Jabbar Muhammad (undrafted free agent) each made key plays. Combs intercepted a pass in red-zone drills, while Muhammad logged a pass-breakup and an interception of Nick Mullens. Their performances earned Coen’s praise as “most improved player compared to a year ago.”
Coaching Updates on Injured Players
Coach Coen confirmed that Rodriguez Jr. will be “full-go” by training camp and highlighted the strength staff’s role in Hunter’s recovery, noting Hunter’s 22.6 mph sprint in an outdoor drill. Coen emphasized that the staff’s “creative” approach kept Hunter motivated and allowed him to accrue “a ton of reps” in the video room.
Data & Statistics
- Josh Cameron: 69 receptions, 872 yards, 9 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
- Draft picks: Cameron, CJ Williams, tight ends Nate Boerkircher (third-round projection) and Tanner Koziol (sixth-round).
- Age/experience: Tuten (33), Taylor (30), Combs (second-year), Muhammad (undrafted).
Verbatim Quotes
- “[Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Josh Cameron had a slow start due to the offseason program as he recovered from an ankle injury he sustained during the draft process.” — John Shipley, *Sports Illustrated*
- “Cameron caught a touchdown early in team red-zone drills by running away from the coverage underneath and getting yards after the catch, but he did not stop there.” — John Shipley
- “Travis, I know he ran 22.6 this morning outside here. He was talking a lot of smack to [Director of Performance Science] Chris Bach and the athletic trainers. He's worked his tail off,” — Liam Coen
- “I mean, he's worked his tail off. I got to give a lot of credit to our strength staff, athletic training, sports science. They've just kept him, not motivated because he motivates himself, but they've kept it creative for him, the drills, the way that they're pushing him and challenging him. And then he goes into the video room with each side of ball, and then he's able to get a ton of reps in there. So yeah, watching them run around this morning, hit 22 six, was pretty fun to watch.” — Liam Coen
- “I think they'll be, I know Chris will be full go come training camp.” — Liam Coen
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the minicamp date: one article cites May 10, 2025, while others reference June 9, 2026. Additionally, roster projections for the running back and wide receiver groups remain speculative, with no official numbers released.
What’s Next
The Jaguars will continue the two-day minicamp, followed by training camp in July. Final roster decisions, particularly at running back and wide receiver, will hinge on the health of Rodriguez Jr. and Hunter, as well as the continued performance of the rookie cohort.
