The Jacksonville Jaguars held a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers a couple days before they face off against each other in Week 2 of the preseason. Head coach Liam Coen was pleased with the work the team put in, which may be why he's no longer sure whether the starters will suit up for the game.
Keep in mind that most teams tend to rest their starters in the finale and use the game to assess the bottom of the roster. The Panthers game could be the last time Trevor Lawrence and other prominent players will see the field until Week 1 of the preseason, so it will be interesting to see what Coen ends up deciding.
But whether the starters suit up against Carolina or not, here are five Jacksonville players who need a strong showing to keep their roster hopes alive.
5 Jaguars who can keep their roster hopes alive with a strong showing vs. the Panthers
Wyatt Milum, offensive guard
Before training camp, Wyatt Milum seemed like a candidate to start at right guard. But even with Patrick Mekari missing time, he wasn't able to seize the job. The fact that he struggled in the preseason opener most definitely delivered a blow to his odds of starting.
Compounding the issue is that the Jags just traded for Daniel Faalele. After the arrival of Faalele, Milum will have to look over his shoulder and deliver a strong outing against the Panthers. Otherwise, he runs the risk of tumbling down the depth chart.
Related: The Daniel Faalele trade may have revealed how the Jags feel about Wyatt Milum
Branson Combs, linebacker
While Branson Combs was the talk of the town in training camp, he showed in the preseason opener that he needs to continue honing his skills to win the starting job at linebacker next to Foyesade Oluokun.
Combs wasn't necessarily bad against the New Orleans Saints, but he missed a tackle in New Orleans' first trip to the end zone to make it 6-0. He'll have a chance at a do-over in Week 2 of the preseason.
Joey Aguilar, quarterback
An undrafted free agent in 2025, Joey Aguilar is Liam Coen's latest developmental project. The rookie signal-caller has shown flashes in training camp but has also struggled at times in training camp. He only threw a pass in the opener, a 43-yard bomb, so the talent is certainly there.
With a strong outing in Week 2 of the preseason, Aguilar will incresase his odds of landing on the practice squad next season.
Jahlani Tavai, linebacker
Jack Kiser suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss most of the preseason. Then, rookie Parker Hughes was done for the year. Finding themselves thin at linebacker, the Jaguars signed a trio of linebackers, including Jahlani Tavai.
In the opener, Tavai saw extensive playing time. He'll get a golden opportunity to keep making a bid for a roster spot (or a slot on the practice squad) if he shows out against the Panthers.
Trebor Pena, wide receiver
The Jaguars are loaded at receiver. Heck, they have a couple players who'll just miss the cut because of how crowded the position is. Tim Jones, Austin Trammell, Chandler Brayboy and Trebor Pena come to mind, and all of them could be competing for a spot on the practice squad.
Pena had a drop in the opener but bounced back, reeling in a team-best three receptions for 58 yards. Another strong performance will help him secure his ticket.
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