Jaguars training camp: 4 key takeaways from Pederson’s Day 12 presser

The Jacksonville Jaguars took a break following their matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL preseason. They resumed practice Monday afternoon and head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media.

Pederson talked about some of the things he saw in the loss to the Browns and his plans for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday. With that in mind, here are four crucial takeaways from his presser.

4. Jaguars RB James Robinson is making strides and practicing

NFL teams are careful when managing their players’ workload during the preseason. After all, the last thing they want is to lose a starter or a key contributor to serious injuries. Running back James Robinson is still recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered late in the 2021 season but the training staff is starting to bring him along slowly.

"You’ll see him in some team drills. We’re gonna keep them out of contact drills though this week. And just keep progressing him along but he’s doing well and that’s the goal just to progress him here in the next few days."

Robinson partook in team drills Monday but he was wearing a red jersey, meaning other players weren’t allowed to hit him. Regarding his rehab, Pederson says the running back is getting there but he’s not ready to play just yet.

The truth is that the Jags don’t need to rush Robinson right now. Travis Etienne, Snoop Conner, and Ryquell Armstead can carry the load while Robinson recovers. The last thing Jacksonville wants is to expose him to further injury. Here’s a video of the former Illinois State Redbird practicing Monday, via Juston W. Lewis of the Florida Times-Union.

It’s encouraging to see Robinson getting closer to 100 percent but the Jaguars are better off easing him back from injury.

3. Jaguars HC Doug Pederson also shared an update on rookie Devin Lloyd

When the Jaguars drafted Devin Lloyd 27th overall earlier this year, they probably expected him to start at one middle linebacker spot from Day 1. However, the former Utah Ute has been dealing with a hamstring injury that could put off his rookie debut.

Lloyd has missed several days of practice and sat out Jacksonville’s last two games. While his injury isn’t the kind that requires surgery, the training staff has kept him away from team drills. However, that changed Monday, and Pederson shared an update on the rookie linebacker’s status.

"Devin is closer but we’ve got to see today and then Wednesday again to see where he’s at, Wednesday, Thursday, to really make a determination if he can play in this football game."

Maybe Lloyd will play against the Steelers but it wouldn’t be shocking if he doesn’t. The Jaguars have depth at middle linebacker, so they can afford to wait for Lloyd. Shaquille Quarterman has fared well in practice and the preseason. Similarly, Chad Muma played against the Cleveland Browns after struggling in the Hall of Fame game.

Lloyd was wearing full pads for Monday practice, so he’s clearly trending in the right direction. Here’s a video of him, via Jamal St. Cyr of News4JAX.

It’s important to point out that the Jags’ starting defense held the Browns’ starters on offense to just seven points in the first quarter of last Friday’s game. This has probably played a role in the Jaguars’ decision to take a conservative approach with Lloyd. Of course, the group could be even better once he joins them but the team’s brass is better off erring on the right side of caution.

2. Jaguars HC Doug Pederson knows what is like to be cut

The Jaguars announced Monday that they had released five players ahead of the first round of roster cuts before the start of the 2022 NFL season. Among those who got the boot were third-year quarterback Jake Luton and kicker Elliot Fry.

Regarding the team’s decision to waive Luton, Pederson said the coaching staff wanted to see rookie E.J. Perry, whom they re-signed not long ago after releasing him in July. The head coach also said that Fry had a hamstring injury when discussing his release.

In the last two games, Luton went 22-of-38 for 186 yards with one interception. On the other hand, Fry nailed a 23-year field goal and made his two-extra point attempts against the Browns.

During his exchange with the media, Pederson said he appreciated what Luton and the other players the team cut did during their stint with the Jags, “They gave everything they had, we appreciate that”. The head coach added that he knows what it feels like but pointed out that it’s the nature of the business.

"I’ve been in their shoes too many times to understand exactly and know exactly what they’re going through. It’s just part of the business and by rules, we have to reduce our roster by five guys and we got to do five next and then get it down to 53 after that, so it’s part of the business."

Before joining the coaching ranks in the NFL, Pederson played quarterback for several teams, including the Green Bay Packers, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cleveland Browns. During his ten-year career, he was released a myriad times, so he can definitely relate to his players. He’s also aware that being waived isn’t the end of the road, “it also gives them an opportunity to seek employment somewhere else”.

1. The Jaguars’ competition for the left guard job is a close one

The jaguars’ offensive line is currently in transition, with a couple of battles for a starting job taking place ahead of the regular season. While sophomore Walker Little is competing with incumbent Jawaan Taylor for the starting job at right tackle, veteran Tyler Shatley is trying to fend off third-year pro Ben Bartch at left guard.

On Monday, Pederson said that the left guard job is “up for grabs”. He then added that both Shatley and Bartch are doing well and either one could start but it will be a close call.

"Both guys are doing well. You can start Ben one week, you can start Tyler the next. It’s that close right now to call."

Earlier this year, it looked like Bartch would be the starter at left guard and Shatley would line up at center while rookie Luke Fortner developed. However, Fortner has mostly practiced with the first team and seems like a good bet to start on Day 1. Similarly, Shatley has mostly gotten first-team reps left guard.

Bartch started several games at right guard in relief of A.J. Cann last year. Meanwhile, Shatley took over Brandon Linder’s spot in the lineup and went on to make eight starts.

The Jaguars gave Shatley a two-year deal before the start of free agency, showing the value of his contributions to the team. On the other hand, Bartch might not have reached his ceiling yet and might have more upside. Regardless of who gets the starting nod at left guard, Jacksonville needs to figure out the best combination to protect Trevor Lawrence, and the sooner they do it, the better.