The Jacksonville Jaguars got OTAs underway on Monday and it was very exciting to see everyone there. This is going to be a great 2023 season and everyone is already all fired up.
From Trevor Lawrence to notable players on defense, Doug Pederson was very impressed with the turnout of his veteran players.
With a team that has vibes like the Jacksonville Jaguars have right now, it is good to see everyone excited about getting the season started.
Unfortunately, there were a few big names missing from the group that you'd like to see get there as soon as possible. These are the three most notable veterans missing from OTAs:
1. Evan Engram
Evan Engram is unsurprisingly missing from Jacksonville Jaguars OTAs.
Although it is less than ideal, Evan Engram missing from OTAs is not all that surprising. He was tendered a franchise tag but he has yet to sign it.
The tight end had a great year (his first) with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year and Trevor Lawrence clearly enjoyed having a stud at that position.
The Jaguars might not have the position locked up in the long term but they need Engram to sign his tag and be with the team in 2023. He deserves to be amongst the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL but he will get there if he has another great year in Jacksonville.
It isn't the worst thing of all time that he isn't at OTAs but it is a gentle reminder that the situation does not have a resolution yet. We can only hope that comes soon because the Jaguars will be better with Engram in the mix.
2. Josh Allen
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to get Josh Allen with the team very soon.
Josh Allen was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round (7th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has been a very good defensive player ever since.
He is clearly an impact player on a defense that is still looking to turn the corner. The offense was great last year and if the defense can match it, they could be talking about defending a Super Bowl victory this time next year.
Allen isn't at OTAs yet and it is probably the most notable of everyone on this list. He isn't injured, suspended, or looking for a contract like some of the other players missing. The hope is that he is just working out elsewhere and will be with the team shortly.
This is a guy that can increase the team's chance to win so they'd like to get him around the group as soon as they can. With how tough the AFC is at this point, they need all hands on deck.
3. Cam Robinson
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to get Cam Robinson healthy first.
Cam Robinson is a left tackle that the Jacksonville Jaguars would like to have healthy and on the field in 2023. He is dealing with an injury that he is working back from which is a worry in its own right.
Robinson is also facing a potential suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy. He could receive a suspension of two, six, or eight games depending on what they find in this most recent investigation.
Obviously, Robinson will be coughing up a lot of money no matter how many games he is missing. He will also be really hurting his club's chance to win because of the fact that they will be missing a good player at a premier position.
It is no surprise that he is missing from OTAs at this point but it is notable. He is both injured and possibly facing a suspension so don't expect him around any time soon.
We can only hope that he isn't missing for too long and can get back on the field soon. All of these guys have their different reasons for being away but at the end of the day, we just want to see them there to help the Jaguars win.