During the 22-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, safety Caleb Ransaw exited the game with a knee injury and didn't return. Just a couple days later, the Jacksonville Jaguars placed him on the injury reserve. It's uncertain whether Ransaw will sit out the remainder of the season. But regardless of how much time he'll miss, Rayuan Lane III and rookie Jalen Huskey will see an uptick in playing time.
With Ransaw out of the mix in the near future, Lane becomes the primary backup at safety. On the other hand, Huskey will at last get to an opportunity to showcase his ballhawk skills.
The Jaguars have seen Jalen Huskey's physicality and energy
Head coach Liam Coen met with the local media ahead of Jacksonville's game against the Philadelphia Eagles in London. He told reporters he has no comments on whether Caleb Ransaw suffered a season-ending injury.
Coen also praised Jalen Huskey, noting that he's shown competitiveness and the ability to make plays in the joint practices and the preseason.
"Huskey, I think you look at the amount of reps that he got at the Carolina joint, at the Saints joint, Tampa joint. He's been in competitive situations, played a ton throughout the preseason," Coen said (2:05 mark). "I think he's been coming along. I like his play energy. He's got his hands on the ball and multiple of those joints, and made some downhill physical plays.
Coen continued, "So we'll have to look at it throughout the week, and hopefully we lock him in to be able to give us communication, stability back there. That's the key point, and put those guys in a position to be successful, but I'm excited about him getting a potential out."
A third-round pick in 2026, Huskey was a ballhawk at Maryland, registering 10 interceptions and 11 passes defensed from 2023-2025. However, his tackling skills needed refinement.
This season, the former Terrapin has yet to play a snap. He's been inactive for all four games but should suit up against the Eagles.
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What kind of role will Jalen Huskey have with the Jaguars?
Under defensive coordinator Jalen Huskey, the Jaguars like to use three safeties. Caleb Ransaw was the No. 3 behind Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson this season. With Ransaw out, Rayuane Lane would step into that role, but it's worth noting that Murray is in concussion protocol, so there's a chance Lane could start in Week 5. If he does, Huskey not only will make his NFL debut but will also be the primary backup at safety and the No. 3 on the depth chart.
And that's the thing, players are always an injury away from being trusted into action. Ideally, Huskey would see the field under different circumstances, but he's the next man up in light of injuries at safety.
In the end, though, the Jaguars drafted Huskey for a reason, and there's a strong chance he'll get to show why against the Eagles.
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