Jaguars field backups in preseason loss to Panthers, eyeing lineup decisions
The Jacksonville Jaguars played a second-preseason game against the Carolina Panthers with no starters, highlighting rookie receivers, a makeshift offensive line and defensive schemes as they prepare for the regular season.
Jacksonville, Fla. – The Jaguars completed Week 2 of the preseason on Friday night at EverBank Stadium, fielding a roster composed largely of backups against the Carolina Panthers. No regular starters appeared on the field, leaving the upcoming Week 3 matchup as the first true test for the team's primary players.
Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile deployed a dime package featuring four defensive linemen, one linebacker and six defensive backs on a key passing down. Linebacker Branson Combs blitzed, recording a quarterback hit on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young that forced an incompletion and a punt.
Rookie wide receivers CJ Williams and Josh Cameron, both sixth-round picks, were the most active offensive targets. Cameron caught two passes for 41 yards, including a 22-yard downfield reception, while Williams secured four catches for 22 yards as a possession receiver.
The offensive line consisted of third-team players Kilian Zierer, Ricky Lee, Sam Mustipher, Sam Carvin and Jimto Obidegwu, as the team avoided using starters or second-team members amid recent injuries to the line. The lineup is expected to be reassessed during joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week.
Veteran backup running back Ameer Abdullah contributed a 23-yard run and an 18-yard catch-and-run, though he dropped a red-zone touchdown pass. His performance may influence his role should starter LeQuint Allen remain unavailable.
The Jaguars will hold two joint practices with the Buccaneers before the preseason finale next Friday, providing additional time to finalize roster decisions ahead of the regular season.