3 key takeaways from Day 1 of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars took the practice field for the first time in training camp Monday, and just like any other year, there were both good and not-so-good things that stood out.

One positive was that the Jags had the chance to see their offseason acquisitions in action, and there were a few things worth talking about, including encouraging injury updates. With that in mind, here are a few observations from Day 1 of Jaguars training camp.

3. The Jaguars will Luke Fortner the chance to seize a starting job

Brandon Linder, a long-time mainstay of the Jaguars’ offensive line, decided to retire earlier this year but the organization had a plan in place to fill the void his departure left. They gave veteran Tyler Shatley a two-year deal before the start of the season and later used a third-round selection in this year’s draft on Kentucky’s Luke Fortner.

It seemed like Shatley was going to be the starter at center in the season opener. However, Jacksonville may have other plans in mind. John Shipley of Jaguar Report noted that Shatley took reps at left guard with the first team while Fortner lined up at center. Meanwhile, Bartch mostly practiced with the second team.

Shipley suggests that might be the way the coaching staff wants their interior offensive line to look on opening day, with Brandon Scherff at right guard, or maybe they will shuffle the unit around as training camp progress.

Either way, Shatley could end up playing center or left guard against the Washington Commanders in Week 1 but Fortner will have a legitimate chance to earn a starting job. Bartch could end up practicing with the first team in the upcoming days, so it’s probably too early to come up with any meaningful conclusions.