Training camp injury just ruined Jaguars veteran's bid for featured role

Cornerback Montaric Brown made a strong impression in the offseason program and seemed poised to compete for a featured role with the Jacksonville Jaguars next season. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury at the worst possible time.

Brown has so far been absent from training camp. Head coach Liam Coen told the local media after Day 5 that the fourth-year cornerback will miss the rest of camp with a leg injury.

Later in his exchange with the press corps, Coen said that he expects Brown to return for the regular season, but his absence paves the way for other players to get reps.

"I think it just gives us an opportunity to get guys reps, you know? I mean, we expect him back for the season," Coen responded when asked about Brown's status (0:38 mark). "Gives a great op for Jarrian Jones, obviously, Travis [Hunter] to continue to get quality reps and Trey Prince, and some of these guys to continue to get reps. Zach McPherson, and same with Christian Braswell, as well."

Coen continued, "So it just gives ops. Yeah, it's a bummer, a little bit for Buster. I love Buster, but it always when, anytime that happens, it is completely a new window and opportunity for somebody else. So the reps are quality for us."

A seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, Brown was a non-factor as a rookie. However, injuries pressed him into action in 2023. The former Arkansas Razorback also got plenty of playing time last year when he replaced Ronald Darby in the starting lineup.

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How the injury affects Jaguars CB Montaric Brown

After playing in a man-heavy scheme in previous years, the switch to zone coverage under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile suited Brown's strengths. Back in the offseason program, he talked about how the change benefited him.

"I feel like I'm perfect for this scheme," Brown told Juston W. Lewis of Florida Times-Union. "It helps me. I get to use my length and my technique. I feel like it fits me good."

Earlier in the offseason, there was chatter that Buster could compete for a starting job, but the timing of the injury couldn't have been worse. The reps he would've otherwise gotten will now go to Jarrian Jones, Travis Hunter, and players below him on the depth chart, such as DeAntre Prince and Zach McPhearson.

On top of that, Brown is entering a contract year and needs to take advantage of every opportunity he gets to ensure he's in a position to cash in next season. While he's going to be back for the regular season, missing training camp is certainly hurting his stock.

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The Jaguars are in great position to overcome Buster Brown's absence

The silver lining of Montaric Brown's absence is that the Jacksonville Jaguars are in great shape and won't miss a beat regardless of how much time he potentially misses. As Liam Coen stated, it hurts to see players miss time, but it's a "next man up" kind of situation, and the Jags have a couple of corners ready to step up.

Tyson Campbell and Jourdan Lewis appear to be firmly entrenched in the starting lineup. That means that Jarrian Jones and Travis Hunter will solidify their place on the depth chart.

Circling back to Montaric Brown, there's nothing he can do but wait and get back to full strength. Once he does, he'll be playing catch-up.

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