Jaguars 53-Man Roster Projections 5.0: Second Preseason Game Brings Key Changes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A week from today, the Jacksonville Jaguars will trim their roster from 90 to 53.

The Jaguars' second week of preseason practice and a game against the Carolina Panthers taught us plenty about what the 2026 Jaguars might look like, which brings us to our latest 53-man roster projection.

So, who do we currently envision on the 53-man roster, and how has our projection changed since a week ago? We break it all down below.

QB (2)

Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) before the start of the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Trevor Lawrence; Nick Mullens

As usual, there is not much to update when it comes to the Jaguars quarterback position. Trevor Lawrence has had a solid training camp and the Jaguars also have the back up spot firmly entrenched with veteran quarterback, Nick Mullens.

After a tough outing against the New Orleans Saints in the first week of the preseason, Mullins had a productive week of practice and then had an impressive showing against the Carolina Panthers on Friday. The practice squad quarterback spot is the most competitive battle in the room; Carter Bradley has gotten more reps than Joey Aguilar, but it was the undrafted rookie free agent who impressed the most against Carolina.

RB (4)

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Ameer Abdullah (43) eludes the Carolina defense during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium in the second preseason game on Friday night, August 21, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Bhayshul Tuten; Chris Rodriguez Jr.; LeQuint Allen; Ameer Abdullah

The Jaguars have an interesting situation at running back when it comes to roster numbers, and a lot of it depends on LeQuint Allen. Allen went down with a soft tissue injury earlier this week and is set to be out for the rest of camp. It remains to be seen if he will be available for Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, which could mean the Jaguars carry a fourth running back for insurance.

The Jaguars could, of course, only carry three running backs and then send one to the practice squad to use as a game-day call-up. But we have seen enough from Abdullah for him to take one of the final roster spots, especially after his impressive showing on Friday vs. Carolina.

WR (5)

Jakobi Meyers; Brian Thomas Jr.; Parker Washington; Josh Cameron; CJ Williams

The Jaguars are currently dealing with a Jakobi Meyers injury that does not have much clarity in terms of seriousness or a timeline, which could always alter things. But if all things are equal and there are no injury issues for Meyers at the start of the year, this seems like a pretty easy position group to narrow it down to. There are no other receivers who I believe are pushing for roster spots, at least not on the 53-man active roster.

TE (3)

Jacksonville Jaguars Tight End Tanner Koziol (89) gets direction from Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the Jacksonville Jaguars 10th day of NFL Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, August 9, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Brenton Strange; Nate Boerkircher; Tanner Koziol

The Jaguars have only really leaned on three tight ends throughout training camp, and they are all locks. If the Jaguars were to carry a fourth tight end into 2026, I think Hunter Long would get the nod over Quintin Morris, at least based on what we have seen in training camp so far in terms of both roles and production. The Jaguars really like the top of their tight end depth chart, but they are one injury away from some issues.

OL (9)

Cole Van Lanen; Ezra Cleveland; Robert Hainsey; Anton Harrison; Walker Little; Emmanuel Pregnon; Jonah Monheim; Wyatt Milum; Daniel Faalele

Two notable changes here: I have Patrick Mekari off the list because I believe he will start the season on injured reserve, though it remains to be seen exactly when he would be able to come off of it. With the return of Cole Van Lanen at offensive tackle and the trade for Daniel Faalele, I also have Chuma Edoga on the bubble since Walker Little and Wyatt Milum would give the Jaguars some tackle versatility as backups.

EDGE (6)

wesley wolliam — Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) throws against Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Wesley Williams (90) during the third quarter of the preseason game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Josh Hines-Allen; Travon Walker; Danny Striggow; B.J. Green; Wesley Williams; Zach Durfee

Perhaps Bryan Thomas Jr. has done enough in the preseason to push seventh-round defensive end Zach Durfee, but I think this is another position group that is seemingly already all made up. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will start, B.J. Green and Danny Striggow are the top backups, and the rookies will likely not find much playing time early on in their careers other than potentially on special teams under coordinator Heath Farwell.

IDL (5)

DaVon Hamilton; Arik Armstead; Ruke Orhorhoro; Albert Regis; Matt Dickerson

Matt Dickerson was not on all that many 53-man roster projections at the start of training camp, but it now seems impossible to keep him off the projections. He looks like he is the team's No. 3 defensive tackle, while Albert Regis and Ruke Orhorhoro close out the room behind him. There is not a lot of drama when it comes to the Jaguars' defensive tackle room this time around.

LB (6)

Foyesade Oluokun; Ventrell Miller; Dennis Gardeck; Jahlani Tavai; Branson Combs; Yasir Abdullah

I have a few questions at linebacker. I am projecting Jack Kiser to start the season on IR, but if he is healthy then that would certainly changes things. If he is on IR, however, I think the natural choice would be to keep veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai. I have Yasir Abdullah with a slight edge on Jalen McLeod, but McLeod is now healthy and can really push for the spot once again.

CB (5)

Travis Hunter; Montaric Brown; Jarrian Jones; Jourdan Lewis; Jabbar Muhammad

The first four cornerback spots are locked in, while it seems like Jabbar Muhammad and Christian Braswell are the next two up. This is one position I could see the Jaguars add due during the waiver wire, because neither Braswell or Muhammad has had very strong performances during the preseason.

S (5)

fansa — Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars safety Caleb Ransaw (27) is introduced before a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Antonio Johnson; Eric Murray; Caleb Ransaw; Rayuan Lane; Jalen Huskey

No drama here at safety. The Jaguars have their two starters, two recent top-100 picks, and their special teams ace. The biggest question is how often they deploy three safeties, because this room is clearly led by veteran safeties Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray. I would expect no real changes for this unit.

Specialist (3)

Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Cam Little (39) kicks a field goal held by punter Logan Cooke (9) against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during a preseason game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cam Little; Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik

Cam Little is still making nearly every kick he attempts, Logan Cooke is still booming punts, and Ross Matiscik is still forcing fumbles on special teams. As usual, the Jaguars are set when it comes to their specialist group.

Add us as a preferred source on Google