The Jacksonville Jaguars are dealing with a rash of injuries on the offensive line ahead of their Week 2 preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. However, that probably won't prevent them from giving the starters a look.
Head coach Liam Coen met with reporters after Day 14 of training camp. He announced that the team is trending toward playing the starters against Carolina after holding them out in the preseason opener.
This makes sense when you take into account that the starters need to get some work before the regular season, and Week 2 of the preseason may be the last time to do so. On the other hand, it exposes them to unnecessary injury risk.
The Jaguars are better off sitting their starters vs. the Panthers
The Jaguars are missing a couple starters and their top backups in the offensive trenches two weeks into the preseason. Cole Van Lanen, Patrick Mekari and Walker Little have missed a good chunk of training camp, while Chuma Edoga went down in the preseason opener. All three should eventually be back, but not having them against the Panthers isn't ideal if Trevor Lawrence will suit up.
Backup Nick Mullens struggled against the Saints, and Jacksonville could be in trouble if he gets extensive playing time. This is why protecting Lawrence should be among the team's top priorities.
On a related note, Ricky Lee and newcomer Geron Christian also sat out Day 14 of camp, according to Mia O'Brien of Action News Jax. Christian played 68 offensive snaps at left tackle against the New Orleans Saints.
With Edoga leaving the preseason opener early, Lee and Jimto Obidegwu lined up at right tackle. Neither inspired confidence. On the other hand, Wyatt Milum, Kilian Zierer, and Lee took turns at right guard.
Milum will probably get the start at right guard in Week 2. Lee might get the nod at right tackle if he returns. It wouldn't be a good idea to give Lawrence extensive playing time with those two protecting him on the right side.
The Jaguars can't keep Trevor Lawrence on the sidelines either
The last thing the Jaguars want is to expose Trevor Lawrence to injury. On the other hand, they can't just keep him on the sidelines or put him on a bubble until the offensive line is healthy. Liam Coen knows that his starting quarterback needs to take the field to be ready for the regular season.
Sure, Jacksonville will hold a joint practice with the Panthers, and Lawrence, along with all the other starters, will benefit from the work in a controlled environment. That said, he needs to feel the pressure that only game day provides.
It will be up to Liam Coen to balance Trevor Lawrence's workload in Week 2. A couple series should do the job. Anymore than that could expose the Jaguars starting quarterback to unnessesary injury risk.
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