Head coach Doug Pederson said not long ago that the starter, including Trevor Lawrence, would play a few series when the Jacksonville Jaguars face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 of the preseason. Pederson reiterated his comments when he met with the local media on Day 12 of Jaguars training camp.
"Don't plan on playing them long at all, but want to get them in, get them out but still get some quality work in," Pederson said, via Mark Long of the Associated Press. The head coach cited the importance of having a feel for excitement around the game as a reason for his decision.
Some coaches prefer to sit their starters to prevent injuries. Pederson, on the other hand, wants his players to get acclimated to the speed of the game, so they can be fully ready for the opener. You could argue that he's exposing his players to unnecessary injuries but that's an inherent part of the sport. Moreover, he won't have them play more than 10-15 snaps, so the risk will be rather minimal.
Either way, playing time in the preseason wasn't the only topic Pederson touched on during his exchange with the media Wednesday. Here are other observations.
3. Doug Pederson gave injury updates on Day 12 of Jaguars training camp
Rookie Anton Harrison has been dealing with a shoulder injury but Doug Pederson he'll play Saturday. In fact, he'll get a bit more time than other players.
"He's doing well, he's progressing really well," Pederson said. "He'll be fine for Saturday barring any setbacks in the next couple of days. But anticipate him playing even a touch longer. It's his first NFL game, so maybe see him in there a series or two after the ones come out."
Regarding Tyson Campbell, who suffered a concussion Saturday, Pederson says he remains the protocol and would be limited in practice.
"Tyson is doing well. He's still in the protocol. Part of that is some actual practice time, so he'll be on the grass today in uniform, dressed, he will be on an orange jersey, limited, no contact really. Hopefully, he passes that and has a good day.
Harrison needs to get as many reps as he can get before the opener, and if he can play through injury, he should definitely get as much playing time as possible. On the other hand, the Jags don't need to rush Campbell, who doesn't need to get lots of snaps to be ready. Also, his absence paves the way for other players to make an impression, which is key with roster cutdown day looming.
2. Jaguars OL Blake Hance will get a chance to shine vs. the Cowboys
Ben Bartch, the Jaguars' Day 1 starter at left guard last year, is on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list. With Bartch unable to practice, veteran Tyler Shatley took his place in the lineup. However, Shatley dealt with an irregular heartbeat early in training camp and was absent for a few days. He's back with the team but he's not a full-go yet.
Now, the Jaguars are counting on Blake Hance to hold the fort until Shatley (and eventually Bartch) returns. On Day 12 of Jaguars training camp, Pederson told the media why the team is going with Hance.
"Blake is another one that he can play a few roles in the offensive line. He can play tackle for you, he can play both guard spots. He's a swing guy. It's unfortunate with Tyler Shatley's situation. Tyler would be the guy, right? But with Blake, he's earned the right to go in there and compete."
"Get this get the start, for Saturday's preseason game, and let's see how that unfolds. He's a smart guy, he's quiet, comes to work every day, and put in a good day's work. He's shown that he can play at this level. He's embraced this opportunity. From a coach's perspective, a guy that can move around gives you that versatility you're looking for" Pederson said.
This is Hance's second stint with the Jags. He previously spent the 2019 season in their practice squad. He's also spent time with the Washington Commanders, the New York Jets, and the Cleveland Browns. The Northwestern product has appeared in 33 games with eight starts over the last four years and having a solid preseason outing will help him solidify a spot on the Jaguars' 53-man roster.
1. The Jaguars are pleased with DT DaVon Hamilton's growth
Under former general manager Dave Caldwell, the Jags rarely made an effort to retain their own players and instead look for ways to accumulate draft picks for future use. His successor, Trent Baalke, has bucked the trend and has done a good job of rewarding core contributors. One of them is defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, who got a three-year extension worth $34.5 million days in April.
It's fair to say that the team's brass wouldn't have given Hamilton a multi-year extension if they didn't feel comfortable about his progress. On Day 12 of Jaguars training camp, Pederson talked about the things he's seen in the player affectionately known as Ham.
"DaVon really showed up last year, that's why he got the extension", Pederson said. "We wanted to keep him around, he's one of the guys, one of the leaders on the team, on the defense. He's a big powerful guy in there as a D-Lineman.
"He can generate some push and then that's what you want in the middle of your pocket, right? And he's a good run defender. All those things, we've seen the same things, this camp with him when the pads are on, and his physicality and what he brings to the line," Pederson said.
Hamilton is the only player the Jaguars drafted in 2020 that has gotten an extension in Jacksonville. The Ohio State product flashed as a rookie but a knee injury cut his season short. He returned to the lineup in 2021 and has progressively gotten better, as Pederson noted. Last year, he registered a career-high 2.5 sacks and he expects to be even better in 2023, noting that he wants to be more than just a run-stuffer.