Evaluating Jaguars Backfield Depth
Jaguars Use Preseason to Evaluate Running Back Pass Protection Amid Injury Absence
Key Points
Coen is using LeQuint Allen Jr.'s injury as an opening to evaluate pass protection, prioritizing which backs can protect on passing downs rather than purely run the ball. Allen suffered a soft tissue injury on Day 13 of training camp and is expected to miss the remainder of camp, but should be available for the season opener.
Trebor Pena led the Jaguars in receptions and receiving yards in Week 2 against the Panthers, including a 29-yard touchdown; his roster status remains uncertain, with a realistic path to the practice squad given the depth at receiver.
Ameer Abdullah delivered a multi-faceted showing with 6 carries for 45 yards and 3 receptions for 37 yards in the first half, underscoring his value as a veteran option in the backfield.
Special teams improvements were noted in Week 2, including better kickoff coverage and contributions from rookies like Jalen Huskey on ST, while OL injuries lingered with some players held out (e.g., Monheim and Pregnon), affecting lineup decisions.
The team is leaning into a dime-down package on passing downs, deploying a look with four defensive linemen, one linebacker, and six defensive backs as part of a broader plan tested during preseason, with two joint practices against the Buccaneers on the horizon.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are turning LeQuint Allen Jr.'s injury into a full-team audition. The second-year running back suffered a soft tissue injury on Day 13 of training camp and will miss the remainder of preseason, but should return for the season opener Clutch Points. Coach Liam Coen is using the absence to evaluate which backup running backs can pass-protect on crucial third downs—a priority over pure rushing ability.
In Week 2 against the Panthers, the Jaguars lost 34-17 but found bright spots in unexpected places Sports Illustrated. Trebor Pena led the team in receptions and receiving yards with a 29-yard touchdown, while veteran Ameer Abdullah posted 6 carries for 45 yards and 3 receptions for 37 yards in the first half. Meanwhile, the defense rotated fresh faces and tested new pass-down schemes as Coen continued resting starters to protect their health.
Coen Prioritizes Pass Protection Over Rushing
Allen's injury forced Jacksonville to rethink how they develop backup running backs. Coen is looking for depth options who can pick up blitzers and keep the quarterback safe on passing downs Clutch Points. This shift means the team values pass-protection skills just as much as—or more than—yards on the ground. It's a realistic assessment of modern football, where third-down conversions depend on blocking, not just running ability.
Trebor Pena Emerges as Late-Game Weapon
The wide receiver made the most of his preseason opportunity against Carolina. Pena hauled in multiple catches, including a 29-yard touchdown that was the Jaguars' lone offensive score in the loss Sports Illustrated. His roster spot remains uncertain, with a realistic path to the practice squad given the team's depth at receiver. But his Week 2 performance showed he can contribute in a pinch.
Ameer Abdullah Flashes Veteran Versatility
The veteran running back delivered one of the best showings of Week 2. Abdullah ran 6 times for 45 yards and caught 3 passes for 37 yards in the first half Sports Illustrated. His mix of touches—both on the ground and through the air—demonstrates why he remains a valuable option behind Travis Etienne. Abdullah's familiarity with pass protection could make him the leading candidate for the RB2 spot.
Defense Tests New Packages and Fresh Corners
Jacksonville is experimenting with a dime-down package that deploys four defensive linemen, one linebacker, and six defensive backs on obvious passing situations USA Today. This scheme allows corners like Jabbar Muhammad to audition for roster spots while emphasizing coverage and tackling. Coen also highlighted improvements in special teams, including better kickoff coverage and contributions from rookie Jalen Huskey. The team views preseason as a full laboratory for building the 53-man roster and refining situational defense.
Offensive Line Injuries Mount as Season Nears
The Jaguars are navigating injuries along the offensive line that threaten depth at critical positions USA Today. Coach Coen has held some players out—including Monheim and Pregnon—to manage workload and prevent further setbacks. Joint practices with the Buccaneers loom next, offering a harder test of the line's health and chemistry before Week 3 exhibition action. How Jacksonville handles these absences now could shape which linemen make the final roster.
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