After holding a mock game, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have a few practices in preparation for the season opener against the New Orleans Saints. The coaching staff will continue to hammer home the importance of execution and fundamentals, while the front office will assess the roster.
On the other hand, several players will be fighting for a role with them, and a few others will make a bid for a roster spot. These five, in particular, currently find themselves on the fringe and will need to make a strong impression in the offseason to stick around.
5 Jaguars players on the fringe who must show out in the preseason
Sam Mustipher, offensive lineman
Because of injuries in the trenches, the Jaguars just added offensive lineman Sam Mustipher. He's mostly played center throughout his career but has lined up at right guard during his brief stint in Jacksonville. The former Notre Dame Irish has starting experience, so he could turn out to be a valuable depth piece next season.
With Walker Little and Patrick Mekari nursing injuries, Mustipher may have a shot to make the team or, at worst, land on the practice squad. Either way, he'll increase his odds of hanging around with a strong outing against the Saints.
Austin Trammell, wide receiver
The Jaguars are stacked at receiver. Even their bottom half of the depth chart looks in good shape with rookie CJ Williams and Josh Cameron expected to contribute next season. On the one hand, every team would be thrilled to have this kind of surplus at the position. On the other hand, this could make Austin Trammell a victim of the numbers game.
Trammell joined the Jags in 2024 and landed on their practice squad. He made their initial 53-man roster last season but was promptly cut. The former Rice Owl will try to earn a roster spot for the second year in a row, but he's facing an uphill battle with Williams and Cameron in the mix.
That said, Trammell could give Jacksonville a tough roster decision if he makes the most of his chances in the preseason.
Ameer Abdullah, running back
When the Jags signed Ameer Abdullah, it seemed like he was going to be a camp body while Chris Rodriguez recovered from a foot injury he sustained in the offseason. However, the veteran running back has stood out in training camp and could have a sneaky chance to make the 53-man roster.
The fact that Abdullah can contribute on special teams and excels as a pass-catcher out of the backfield could help him make the team over rookie J'Mari Taylor, but he'll have to outplay him and fellow running back DeeJay Dallas in the preseason.
Quintin Morris, tight end
You could easily include tight end Hunter Long on this list, but both of them could be competing for a roster spot. They appear to be on the outside looking in because rookie Tanner Koziol and Nate Boerkircher are already making a strong impression.
If the Jags carry four tight ends next season, at least one of them will get the nod, but if they keep only three, both of them will get the boot.
Of course, if both Morris and Long shine in the preseason, they could make things difficult for the Jags. Conversely, it could seal their fate.
Christian Braswell, cornerback
Early in the offseason, it looked like Christian Braswell was going to be locked in a heated battle with Jabbar Muhammad for the CB5 job. However, Braswell has missed a good chunk of training camp, and Muhammad has built a favorable lead.
The good news is that Braswell is back in practice and can narrow down the gap between the two with a strong showing in the preseason.
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