3 Jaguars players not named Cam Robinson that didn't help themselves vs. the Lions
• The end could be near for RB Snoop Conner
• Kevin Austin hasn't had any momentum going
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced before the start of their Week 2 preseason matchup against the Detroit Lions that they were going to rest their starters. This gave several players the chance to shine and make the case for either a roster spot or move up the depth chart. Some of them did, others didn't. Left tackle Cam Robinson, for one, left much to be desired.
Robinson, who's set to serve a four-game suspension for violations to the PED policy, got the starting nod in the 25-7 win over the Lions. You would think that he would want to make a positive impression before his suspension kicks in but he was uninspiring against Detroit's second and third-team defense.
Probably Robinon's worst mistake came early in the game, when got a flag for offensive holding that negated a 13-yard scramble by C.J. Beathard that would've otherwise given the Jags a new fresh set of downs. It's possible that Robinson was having an off day, but regardless of the reason, it would be hard to see the Jags plugging him back at left tackle if Walker Little delivers during his absence.
That said, Robinson wasn't the only Jaguars player that struggled against the Lions. Here are other three others that failed to impress.
No. 3 Jaguars player who didn't impress vs. the Lions: Jordan Smith, OLB
The Jaguars are expecting one of their young pass rusher to step up and round out their rotation. Maybe this is why they pass up the chance to ink defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who ended up signing with the Baltimore Ravens after his visit with Jacksonville.
Travon Walker and Josh Allen could be one of the most dominant pass rush tandems in the AFC in 2023 but the Jags don't have much depth behind them. Outside K'Lavon Chaisson has been unremarkable while rookie Yassir Abdullah has flashed but is still a work in progress.
Also in the mix is third-year outside linebacker Jordan Smith, who might be running out of time in Jacksonville. A fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, the former UAB Blazer was a healthy scratch most of his rookie season and missed his sophomore campaign with a torn ACL.
Against the Cowboys, Smith logged five total tackles but had none against Detroit. He hasn't brought up much in terms of pass rush, registering no sacks in two preseason games. The finale against the Miami Dolphins will give Smith one last chance to prove he deserves a roster spot on the Jags in 2023.