The Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten an instant return on investment from their rookies. Even some of their second-year players have shown great growth, virtually solidifying their spot on the 53-man roster. However, some veterans on this Jaguars team are in danger of having their spots taken by these up-and-coming youngsters. Here are four Jaguars veterans on the roster bubble entering the first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
Yasir Abdullah, LB
The battle between Yasir Abdullah and Jalen McLeod to back up Dennis Gardeck is one of the better battles in Jaguars training camp. McLeod didn’t see the field in 2025 due to an ankle injury; however, the potential ceiling for McLeod is higher compared to a 26-year-old Abdullah. Going into the matchup against the Saints, the player with the biggest impact on special teams will ultimately win the job. For now, though, it’s a neck-and-neck fight.
Ruke Orhorhoro, DL
When the Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons made the player-to-player trade, the Jaguars assumed that Orhorhoro would give them more juice along the interior. That doesn’t seem to be the case. Also, Matt Dickerson has shown that he can be a part of the regular rotation, taking snaps with the first-team defense, according to reports. Maybe in a game setting, Ruke can prove he is that same pass-rush problem he was in Atlanta, but that may be what it takes to unseat Dickerson and find a spot on the final 53.
Austin Trammell, WR
The two rookie sixth-round receivers have absolutely shined. Both Josh Cameron and CJ Williams have been lights-out at practice, and their spotlight has cast consistent players like Austin Trammell into the shadows. While Trammell has stacked some good days, similar to Abdullah, if it is between a rookie with a higher potential ceiling and a veteran who is closer to a finished product, most teams are leaning toward the rookie with the higher potential. A strong showing against the Saints could quiet the noise from the rookies a bit.
Quintin Morris, TE
Despite allocating numerous resources to the tight end position, the Jaguars probably aren’t keeping four on the weekly game-day roster. Quintin Morris had a chance to box out fifth-round rookie Tanner Koziol, but Koziol’s pass-catching ability flashed off the page immediately. Morris has struggled to lock down the final tight end spot on the roster, but a strong showing against the Saints would be a step in the right direction to unseat Koziol.
