JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars training camp 2024 is officially behind us, so let's cut to business.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said they're turning up the pressure at practice. In the first two preseason games, we saw a few starters get some action, but at a limited rate. Pederson said that's all changing as we inch closer to the regular season.
Pederson added since it's the final preseason game, he plans on having the starters out there for at least two quarters.
"This third and final preseason game, we usually let the starters play a little bit more," Pederson said. "Again, it depends on the circumstance and the way the game goes, but we'd love to get maybe two quarters out of them. We do take a look at Atlanta a little bit, and we simulate a game week schedule-wise, now that camp has broken. That's probably the only reason these weeks are important—to get the guys out of the hotel, living at home, transportation here, all that kind of stuff. It simulates and sort of feels like a game week."
Speaking of the Atlanta game, there are some notable injuries to update you on.
Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard is still out with a groin injury. Pederson said he will not be playing in Atlanta. Wide receiver Christian Kirk missed practice on Monday with a calf injury, and safety Andrew Wingard also did not practice.
The Atlanta Falcons are taking a different approach than the Jaguars. ESPN reports Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will not suit up against the Jaguars on Friday. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Penix got enough reps when they played the Miami Dolphins, where he went 9-of-16 for 104 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
The big cats and Falcons are set to kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug 23 at 7 p.m.