3 Jaguars players whose stock is plummeting after preseason win vs. Chiefs

The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to an encouraging start to the 2024 NFL Preseason, beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13 in the opener. The win won't count in the standings but the team's brass should be pleased with the levels of execution.

Besides giving up a reasonable three penalties for 29 yards, several players took advantage of their chances to shine. That said, not everybody had a great performance. In fact, a few players saw their stock take a hit, including the following three.

Keilan Robinson, running back

Availability is the best ability in the NFL. You can be the most talented player in the world, but if you cannot get on the football field, it doesn't account for much. Running back Keilan Robinson, a fifth-round pick in this year's draft, didn't suit up for the preseason opener.

At 191 pounds, Robinson doesn't have the size to be a three-down back but showed at Texas that he can give the return game a spark.

The trouble is that a sprain held back Robinson in training camp. He now has his work cut out if he wants to make the 53-man roster. It's true that the team's evaluation goes beyond the preseason but missing time hasn't probably helped his case.

Add, the fact, that fellow running back Jalen Jackson has taken advantage of his absence, both in training camp and the preseason, to make a strong impression, and Robinson's chances of making the cut currently don't look that great.

Make no mistake, the Jaguars' brass like Robinson. Special teams coach Heath Farwell, in particular, told the media in training camp that he was pleased with the rookie's progress even though he was limited. Having said that, he's running out of time to prove he's deserving of a roster spot.

Joshua Cephus, wide receiver

Everybody likes an underdog, that's why it's always easy to root for undrafted free agents. This year, it was Joshua Cephus' turn. A playmaker for the UTSA Roadrunners, he's made the most out of his opportunities in training camp but was unremarkable in Week 1 of the preseason.

Cephus played a total of 12 snaps, registering one catch for three yards and one drop. That's not the kind of production you want from a player with a steep hill to climb to make the team. Right now, the Washington D.C. native is on a three-way battle with veteran Tim Jones and Elijah Cooks.

The competition could last up until the finale but it's fair to say that Cephus didn't do much in the opener to increase his odds of sticking around.

Tyler Shatley, offensive lineman

Tyler Shatley has become a fan favorite because he's the longest-tenured player on the roster. His 170 games are also the third-most in team history behind wide receiver Jimmy Smith and center Brad Mester. But as the old adage says, all good things must come to an end.

An undrafted free agent in 2014, Shatley told Ryan Hacker of 1010 XL that 2024 would be his last season. The issue with that assessment is that he may not even make the team despite the fact that he re-signed with the Jags earlier this year. Sophomore Cooper Hodges missed his rookie season with a patella injury but has shown out in the preseason. He should be a lock to make the team. Luke Fortner has also played snaps at guard, so he should also be a good bet.

Meanwhile, Shatley struggled in the opener. Besides giving up a quarterback pressure that led to Mac Jones being sacked. Similarly, C.J. Beathard got hit because the former Clemson Tiger didn't provide adequate protection.

When you put together his performance and the presence of younger players, Shatley could be a long shot to make the team. That said, the front office should consider adding him to the practice squad to protect themselves from injuries throughout the regular season.

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