Full Breakdown
Jaguars Scrimmage Highlights Reveal Roster Implications
8/9/2026, 10:12:23 PM
Scrimmage Overview
On Friday, August 7, 2026, the Jacksonville Jaguars held their annual “Teal & White” intra-team scrimmage at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. The 90-minute session served as the most realistic practice of the first two weeks of camp, allowing coaches to evaluate depth players on both sides of the ball.
Running Back Unit Performance
Five of the six running backs recorded notable plays:
- Bhayshul Tuten posted multiple five-yard gains.
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. earned short-yardage work and an eight-yard touchdown run.
- LeQuint Allen caught a red-zone touchdown pass and was on the field for every key third-down series.
- Ameer Abdullah delivered a long screen run and a big edge gain against the starters, positioning him as a potential RB4 candidate.
- J’Mari Taylor scored a late-game touchdown and displayed speed on several carries.
The backup offense also generated two takeaways despite limited line protection.
Offensive Line Injuries and Depth Shifts
Pre-camp injuries to left tackle Cole Van Lanen (Active/PUP) and right guard Patrick Mekari left the line thin. The scrimmage saw additional absences: Walker Little, Chuma Edoga, and Emmanuel Pregnon. Wyatt Milum filled at right tackle and Jonah Monheim, a former center, started at right guard, handling duties without major pass-protection lapses and contributing to the running game.
Linebacker Competition
The battle for the inside-linebacker role between Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs continued. Miller received the majority of snaps with the starting defense, making several effective run stops and strengthening his case for the job.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Liam Coen praised the rushing attack:
> “I think we ran it, fairly well. I thought there was some movement.”
Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile highlighted strong-side linebacker Jalen McLeod, noting his “third-down rush value” and comparing his development to veteran Dennis Gardeck.
General manager James Gladstone indicated the scrimmage will heavily influence the upcoming 53-man roster decisions, particularly at running back, offensive line and linebacker positions.
Impact on the 53-Man Roster Projection
- Running backs: The three established backs—Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and LeQuint Allen—appear locked into roster spots. The RB4 competition now centers on Ameer Abdullah, J’Mari Taylor, and DeeJay Dallas, with Abdullah’s long gains giving him an edge.
- Offensive line: Injuries to Van Lanen, Mekari, Little and others create uncertainty. If Little’s injury proves minor, he may retain his spot; otherwise, depth players such as Chuma Edoga could earn a backup role, while Monheim’s versatility adds value as a swing guard/tackle.
- Linebackers: Ventrell Miller’s strong showing may earn him the starting inside-linebacker role, while Jalen McLeod and Yasir Abdullah provide third-down pass-rush options that could translate into special-teams or rotational duties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we ran it, fairly well. I thought there was some movement,” — Liam Coen, Jaguars head coach
- “And again, he still gives you third-down rush value.” — Anthony Campanile
