Jaguars' Offensive Line Depth Looms Large Ahead of Week 1
Regression may loom for the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line, as injuries have begun to chip away at their already thin group of reserves.
The Jaguars have known since late June that they will be without left tackle Cam Robinson for the first month of the season, and have recently lost depth tackles Cooper Hodges, Josh Wells, and Chandler Brewer to injury with undisclosed timetables for return.
“Cooper [Hodges] is going to be out this week, obviously. There’s going to be some time missed. I don’t know how much time, but it just depends on the healing process,” said Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson. “Everybody heals differently, but [Josh Wells] is another one that’s going to miss some time.”
The current plan sees 27th overall pick Anton Harrison earning the start at right tackle and Walker Little protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s blindside in place of the now-suspended Robinson. Returning starters Ben Bartch, Luke Fortner and Brandon Scherff will start along the interior, preserving continuity and aiding in the development of two raw bookends.
Pederson has all but named offensive lineman Blake Hance the starting swing tackle, somewhat clarifying the hierarchy behind the starters in the wake of so many injuries. With his reserves going down and roster cutdown day rapidly approaching, Pederson will be forced to make some tough decisions on the cusp of his second season with the Jags.
“If these injuries were going to happen, you’d love for them to be at the beginning of camp and now they’re getting healthy,” said Pederson. “We’ve got some time this week and next week, then we do have to make decisions fairly early next week. It’s just the nature of the business.”
An above-average unit in 2022, the Jaguars offensive line ranked ninth in pass-block efficiency and allowed just 28 sacks. The group helped churn out over 2,100 rushing yards and finished 19th on Pro Football Focus’ final offensive line rankings.
The group has remained largely intact throughout the offseason, but will begin this year’s campaign far from full strength. Their projected front five ranks just 26th on PFF’s 2023 offensive line rankings, but still has room for improvement in what should be a promising season.
The 2017 Maxwell Club Coach of the Year also noted that the best five lineman are not yet set in stone, and will likely emerge over time.
“As you know, too, once you get into the regular season, it’s still changing. Your roster is changing, practice squad is changing, all that. It might take a few weeks before you’re really settled in on your guys.”
The Jaguars' first chance at establishing themselves in the trenches will come against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 10. The Colts managed to sack the quarterback 44 times last season, and are sure to give the offensive line a challenge worth keeping an eye on.
