Nobody would have been shocked if the Jacksonville Jaguars had begun to worry about the state of their defensive tackle position. After all, they were without Maason Smith and Arik Armstead for most of training camp. In fact, their absence led the Jags to sign veteran Austin Johnson. And even after Smith and Armstead returned, they traded for Khalen Saunders.
But suddenly, their defensive tackle depth chart looks in encouraging shape ahead of the preseason finale ahead of the preseason finale. Following Day 17 of training camp, head coach Liam Coen met with the local media and talked about Smith's and Armstead's return. He also touched on the Saunders' trade.
The Jaguars are pleased to see Arik Armstead and Maason Smith back in the fold
Liam Coen says that he's thrilled to have Arik Armstead and Maason Smith back at practice, pointing out that both of them have put in a great effort to return.
"Yeah, great to see Arik out there and Maason," Coen responded when asked about Smith and Armstead. "But you know, both guys have done everything they can in order to get on the grass. So to see them out there is a great sign. I'm really happy, obviously, for them to be out there. And both guys have done nothing but work their tails off to get back, so pleased about the progress for sure."
Mia O'Brien of ESPN shared a clip or Smith and Armstead fully participating in practice noting that it's the first time the latter fully takes part in team drills.
Arik Armstead is participating in team drills for the first time in Training Camp. Smith has been in there, too. #Jaguars | #DUUUVAL https://t.co/eGHNnjfW6y
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) August 19, 2025
Not long ago, Coen told reporters that Smith had his work cut out after being activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Based on his comments, it looks like the sophomore defensive tackle is coming along slowly.
On the other hand, the Jags head coach wasn't sure whether Armstead would be ready for the season opener. The veteran missed most of training camp while nursing a back injury. Watching him practice fully is a step in the right direction.
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Khalen Saunders will give the Jaguars defensive front a boost
After the 17-17 tie with the New Orleans Saints, the Jags traded for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. Liam Coen believes the seventh-year veteran can give the interior trenches a boost, noting that he got to know him when he faced the Saints as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator last year.
"I think you just look at a guy who we played against twice last year in Tampa. I've got respect for as a vet that's played a lot of meaningful downs in this league, has won Super Bowls, has been on teams that know how to win. And also, there's no question he can help us in the middle there at times. He's hard to double-team and move in there at times, and also has some ability to kind of redirect, and has some initial quick, so I do believe he'll help add some meaningful competition and depth in that room, "Coen said.
Later in the exchange, Coen said that the Jaguars started thinking about trading for Saunders at some point before the game against the Saints.
With Saunders in the mix, the Jaguars suddenly have a solid rotation inside. For the sake of the argument, let's say Maason Smith and Arik Armstead start in the season opener. Saunders and DaVon Hamilton could be the primary backups. On the other hand, either Jordan Jefferson or Austin Johnson may become a victim of the numbers game.
It's also worth noting that Travon Walker and Dawuane Smoot have also gotten snaps at defensive tackle, so either one of them could spell Smith and Armstead.
All things considered, the Jaguars' brass deserves praise for acting quickly and looking for ways to bolster what appeared to be an area of concern. And just like that, their defensive tackle group looks in better shape than it did a month ago.