Jaguars finalize 53-man roster with notable additions and cuts
Jacksonville announced its opening-day roster, highlighting several players who made the cut and others who were released or placed on injured reserve.
Jacksonville, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars released their 53-man roster ahead of the season opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 13. The lineup includes several players the team views as key contributors, while a handful of draft picks and recent additions were omitted or moved to injured reserve.
Running back LeQuint Allen avoided an injured-reserve designation despite a recent soft-tissue injury, allowing the team to keep him available for the start of the season. Offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen earned a spot after the release of Chuma Edoga, with head coach Liam Coen indicating he will evaluate Van Lanen in practice before the Browns game. Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah, a 12-year NFL player, secured a roster position after a strong preseason performance, providing depth in case Allen is unavailable.
Cornerback Christian Braswell won the final cornerback slot over second-year teammate Jabbar Muhammad, a decision the Jaguars attributed to Braswell’s experience and special-teams contributions. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck remains the sole true strong-side linebacker on the roster, solidifying his role in Anthony Campanile’s defense.
Rookie tight ends Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol were promoted ahead of veteran Quinton Morris following the trade of Hunter Long to the Arizona Cardinals, positioning them as the primary backups to starter Brenton Strange.
Among the players who did not make the roster, second-year cornerback Jabbar Muhammad was released after limited impact in preseason games. Draft manager James Gladstone saw four of the team’s 19 recent draft selections excluded, including waivers of Jack Kiser and Jalen McLeod, and injuries to Zach Durfee and Parker Hughes. Defensive end Zach Durfee was placed on injured reserve with a designated-to-return status, while rookie Wesley Williams appears to be inactive on game days. Undrafted free agent Bryan Thomas Jr. remains on the depth chart as the highest-ranked rookie defensive end.
The roster reflects the Jaguars’ emphasis on readiness at key positions and the integration of younger talent into the lineup for the upcoming season.