The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing to showcase their starters, including rookie sensation Travis Hunter, in their preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. Head coach Liam Coen confirmed on Thursday that most of the team’s key players will participate, marking an exciting moment for fans as they anticipate the debut of Hunter, who won the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Coen emphasized the importance of playing time in the preseason, stating, “Everybody’s going to play in this game. A lot of the guys want to play. Two new systems on both sides of the ball.” He noted that given the circumstances, this approach is crucial for the team’s development. The Steelers have not yet disclosed their plans regarding starter participation, but Coen indicated he would discuss strategies with Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin later that day.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, center Robert Hainsey, and other starters expressed a strong desire to take the field at least for this initial preseason matchup. Lawrence, recovering from a concussion sustained in early December, has not played in a live-ball situation since then, having undergone season-ending shoulder surgery shortly after. “I’ll be excited to get back out there,” he remarked. “It’s been a while, so anytime you can play — even preseason — it means something to get on that field.”
With Lawrence transitioning into his third offensive system in five NFL seasons, the Jaguars have incorporated two new receivers, including Hunter, and two fresh faces on the offensive line. The defensive lineup has also seen significant changes. Coen noted, “All of that is kind of what points to playing. We’ve got to go and probably take advantage of these opportunities.” The absence of joint practices further underscores the team’s need for game experience.
The spotlight will be particularly bright on Hunter, who is striving to make history as one of the most versatile players in the NFL. The former star from Colorado was selected as the second overall pick in the NFL draft and is set to play as a starting slot receiver and a backup cornerback. Hunter began practicing on both sides of the ball last week, showcasing his adaptability.
Hunter’s determination to prove himself has caught the attention of his teammates. Fellow cornerback Jourdan Lewis praised his skills and mental resilience, stating, “He wants to prove people wrong. He’s going to show you. He’s going to try to do it tenfold and put his best foot forward doing both things.” Lewis believes that Hunter’s combination of talent and strong mentality sets him apart in the competitive environment of the NFL.
As the Jaguars gear up for their first preseason game, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the integration of new systems and players unfolds on the field. With both excitement and anticipation building, the matchup against the Steelers is poised to be a significant test for the Jacksonville franchise as they look to solidify their roster ahead of the regular season.