4 Biggest Questions Facing the Jaguars After Trimming Roster: Cole Van Lanen's Status

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have put their roster together, but that doesn't mean we have all the answers about their 2026 makeup quite yet,

So in the wake of the Jaguars putting together their 53-man roster and practice squad, what are the biggest questions now facing Jacksonville as a result? We break it down below.

Do They Have Enough LB Depth?

Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile talks with the media after the second day of NFL Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

When looking up and down the Jaguars' roster, the linebacker position seems to be the one where the Jaguars have the biggest depth questions. This was the case entering the offseason following the free agency departure of Devin Lloyd, and we knew it would be the case entering training camp as well once the Jaguars' only addition at the position came via seventh-round rookie linebacker Parker Hughes, who has since been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

The Jaguars have just five linebackers on their roster, and the only ones with extensive starting experience are Foyesade Oluokun, Dennis Gardeck, and backup linebacker Jahlani Tavai. The Jaguars are high on younger linebackers Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs, but this feels like a spot where the Jaguars are one injury away from being in trouble.

With that said, the lack of investments and serious depth at linebacker has been a trademark of the Los Angeles Rams organization in recent years, so it is hardly a surprise to see the Jaguars and general manager James Gladstone follow in their footsteps.

How Healthy are LeQuint Allen and Cole Van Lanen?

Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws a pass as offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen (70) blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One of the most positive developments for the Jaguars' 53-man roster was the status of running back LeQuint Allen Jr. and offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen. The fact that neither player carried any sort of injury designation entering Week 0 is a good sign for both that the Jaguars will have them back on the field much sooner rather than later. With that said, it still remains to be seen just how soon that exactly is.

Van Lanen has not participated in team drills since being activated off the Active/PUP list a few weeks ago, but he has gotten reps in individual drills and seems like the clear starter at right tackle once he does return. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has said that he wants to see Van Lanen go through practice in Week 1 before determining whether he is in the starting lineup against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 13.

As for Allen, he missed the last few weeks of camp with a soft tissue injury. His status is critical for the Jaguars' offense considering his importance as the Jaguars' passing-down back, but the simple fact that he was not placed on injured reserve with a designation to return is a win for the Jaguars.

What Do the Kiser and McLeod Moves Say?

With the Jaguars releasing 2025 draft picks Jack Kiser and Jalen McLeod on Sunday, there seemed to be a lot of conversation amongst the fan base on the Jaguars' draft success from a year ago. To me, that begs the question of what we should consider hits for this Jaguars regime and whether moves like this actually indicate an issue with drafting.

The simple takeaway here is that both Kiser and McLeod fell victim to injuries. Kiser was hurt on the first day of camp and never returned, while McLeod missed his entire rookie year and chunks of this year's training camp. Should the Jaguars keep players dealing with injuries and small sample sizes simply because they spent a Day 3 pick on them a year ago? The answer seems obvious, but it is still a question worth asking.

Can the Jaguars Improve at TE and CB?

Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talked about the upcoming NFL Draft during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

If there are two spots outside linebacker where I think the Jaguars could improve considerably moving forward, it is the No. 4 tight end spot and the No. 5 cornerback role. Quintin Morris and Christian Braswell seem like the No. 52 and No. 53 players on the roster, and the Jaguars could easily give their depth chart a boost at either position.

The Jaguars do still have Jabbar Muhammad on the practice squad who they could elevate at any time, but there is not a fifth tight end on the roster with Patrick Herbert joining his brother in Los Angeles. If the Jaguars are going to improve their depth at any positions during the regular season and weeks ahead, it feels like it would have to be at one of these two spots, and likely with an external option or two as well.

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