Before the Jacksonville Jaguars play the New Orleans Saints in the preseason opener, these interdivisional foes had a joint practice. This allowed their players the chance to test their skills against top competition in a controlled environment. Similarly, it allows the Jags to rest their starters in the upcoming game and give their backups more playing time.
Head coach Liam Coen says he was pleased with the work his team put in. In particular, he was thrilled to see the defense stop the run. Similarly, a handful of skill-position players managed to make plays.
While Coen may not have specifically talked about these five players, they most definitely stood out in the joint practice.
5 Jaguars who stand out in the joint practice vs. the Saints
Trevor Lawrence, quarterback
Although Trevor Lawrence got picked off early in the practice, he managed to bounce back and finish strong. During the red zone period, he threw touchdown passes to Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. No. 16 also tossed a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Nate Boerkircher. He also often found Parker Washington and Travis Hunter throughout the day.
Of course, it was perfect, but Lawrence showed what he can do once he catches fire.
Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. had a strong offseason, and it carried over into training camp. All his work was on full display in the Saints joint practice. Liam Coen praised his growth the past few months in the aftermath.
In past years, Thomas' connection with Trevor Lawrence was an issue, but based on his strong outing against the Saints top players, that won't be an issue in 2026.
Chris Rodriguez, running back
The Jaguars dropped their first unofficial depth chart a couple days before the joint practice. It had Chris Rodriguez or Bhayshul Tuten as the No. 1 running back. Tuten will probably get the lion's share of the workload next season, but Rodriguez will also have a big role. He showed why in the joint practice.
Rodriguez ran hard and even got into a scuffle. In the aftermath, Liam Coen praised him for protecting his teammates.
While Rodriguez missed the offseason program with a foot injury, he's quickly showing why the Jags signed him in free agency.
Parker Washington, wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. wasn't the only receiver who stood out in the joint practice. Trevor Lawrence also targeted Parker Washington often, and he made the most of his chances. Here's one of the grabs he made.
Parker Washington one handed snag pic.twitter.com/qQmyCeqdoj
— johnsonDuvall (@johnsonDuuuval) August 13, 2026
Washington's contract status has been one of the team's biggest storylines this offseason. Clips like the one above show why the Jaguars need to get it done as soon as possible.
Nate Boerkircher, tight end
Nate Boerkircher has been as good as advertised, at least when it comes to his blocking skills, according to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated. That said, his pass-catching skills are nothing to scoff at. The Aurora, Nebraska native had a touchdown catch in the joint practice.
Jacksonville is planning to run more two-tight-end sets next season, which means that Boerkicher should get plenty of work alongsie Brenton Strange.
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