Jaguars announce 53-man roster for 2023 NFL season: 3 takeaways
• But a few others were a bit surprising
• Here are three that stood out.
1. The Jaguars are thin at offensive tackle heading into the 2023 season
The Jaguars have eight offensive linemen on the roster, which is the usual amount teams carry. That said, their depth at offensive tackle is less than optimal. Josh Wells, was slated to be their top backup on the edges while left tackle Cam Robinson served a four-game suspension to start the 2023 season.
However, Wells hurt his abductor during joint practices with the Detroit Lions ahead of their Week 2 preseason matchup and will be placed on the Injured Reserve list. Because he landed on IR before the waiver period (Wednesday), he'll miss the whole year. Similarly, Robinson will begin the 2023 campaign on the suspended list and won't be eligible to suit up until Week 5, when Jacksonville faces the Buffalo Bills.
On top of that, rookie Cooper Hodges will start the season on short IR. The difference between Wells and Hodges is that the Jaguars allocated one roster spot for the latter and will place him on IR after the waiver period and he'll be eligible to return in Week 5.
Jaguars likely going light at two positions to get DT DaVon Hamilton (back) and OL Cooper Hodges (knee) to short-term IR. Expect them to have 2 roster spots open to bring 2 guys back. https://t.co/2A1zD5MR4y
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) August 29, 2023
That leaves the Jaguars without depth at offensive tackle. Then again, they have ample time to add another hog molly before the start of the season once Hodges lands on IR. Either Blake Hance, who was released on roster cutdown day, would be the most likely candidate if he clears waivers. Another option would be Bobby Brown, a 2019 draft pick from the Los Angeles Rams, who landed with the Jaguars in the preseason.
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