Jaguars open training camp with injuries, roster battles and a limited Travis Hunter

The Jacksonville Jaguars held their first official training camp practice on Wednesday, July 29, at the Miller Electric Center. The session featured 32 11-on-11 snaps and 10 7-on-7 snaps, giving coaches and observers an early look at the roster. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled through both periods, while several rookies and depth players made notable plays. Injuries also shaped the opening day, with linebacker Jack Kiser leaving early for an MRI.

Injury report: two players open on PUP, one new concern

Right tackle Garrett DiGiorgio and left tackle Cole Van Lanen did not practice and were placed on the physically unable to perform list. DiGiorgio is expected to miss at least several weeks with a foot injury, according to a team source. Running back Chris Rodriguez (foot) and cornerback Christian Braswell (lower body) were cleared medically but limited to individual drills; the team plans to ramp them up later in the week.

Linebacker Jack Kiser suffered a lower-body injury on the fourth play of 11-on-11 work when he got tangled up on a rush by running back Bhayshul Tuten. Head coach Liam Coen said Kiser was scheduled for an MRI after practice. “Very hopeful it will be shorter than longer, but don’t know exactly what it is at this point,” Coen said.

Key facts

Trevor Lawrence’s rough opening day

Lawrence completed only one pass during his 11-on-11 snaps and was intercepted on his first throw of the 7-on-7 period. Safety Eric Murray showed good range to pick off a deep pass down the right sideline intended for Brian Thomas Jr., with cornerback Buster Brown in coverage. Lawrence also threw high and incomplete to tight end Tanner Koziol down the left seam.

Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers dropped a deep crosser from Lawrence, and running back Ameer Abdullah dropped a check-down pass from backup Carter Bradley. The Jaguars’ first-team offense will need to clean up timing and execution before the preseason schedule begins.

Defensive standouts: Hines-Allen, Brown and Murray

Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, working against the second-team offensive line, showed consistent explosion on multiple pass-rush reps. Cornerback Buster Brown broke up a Lawrence pass that deflected into the arms of tight end Brenton Strange for a lucky completion during 7-on-7. Safety Eric Murray’s interception was the defensive highlight of the day.

Rookie cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, who impressed during the offseason program, had a pass breakup on Lawrence’s first 11-on-11 throw but was beaten on a quick slant by wide receiver Parker Washington later in the session.

Travis Hunter’s limited two-way debut

The Jaguars’ first-round pick from 2025, Travis Hunter, participated in team periods for the first time since knee surgery ended his rookie season after nine games. He played 15 total snaps: 12 on 11-on-11 (four on offense, eight on defense) and three on 7-on-7 (one on offense, two on defense). The team called running plays on Hunter’s first two offensive snaps. On defense, the ball was directed away from him on his first four plays.

Hunter defended wide receiver Josh Cameron in 7-on-7, with the pass falling incomplete, though he might have been penalized for pass interference in a game. In his second 11-on-11 period, he caught a high pass from Nick Mullens but had the ball jarred loose by rookie Jalen Huskey. He later forced an incompletion covering tight end Tanner Koziol.

Coen and the Jaguars have been non-committal about how much Hunter will play on both sides of the ball this season, and Day 1 did not clarify the plan. The limited workload appears intentional, both to monitor his recovery and to keep opposing teams guessing.

Other notable performers

Quarterback Nick Mullens, competing for the backup job, made two sharp throws over the middle to tight end Hunter Long and wide receiver Josh Cameron. Rookie wide receiver C.J. Williams impressed with a sliding catch on a deep over route 20-plus yards downfield, though Josh Hines-Allen would have sacked Mullens on the play. Running back Chris Rodriguez, returning from a broken foot, said the Jaguars’ run scheme is “a lot more complex” than the one he played under Coen at Kentucky. Coen said the team is easing Rodriguez back without “hiccups or bumps.”

Coen also confirmed that free-agent receiver Zay Jones visited the team on July 27 and took a physical. “That’s exactly what it was; get him in, see what he looks like and just meet him,” Coen said. Jones, 31, played for the Jaguars in 2022-23 and has 116 catches over two seasons with Arizona.

What it means for Jaguars fans

The opening day of camp highlighted the usual early challenges: players adjusting to contact, the quarterback finding rhythm, and the coaching staff sorting out roles. Lawrence’s struggles are not a cause for alarm, but they underscore the need for continuity in the passing game. Hunter’s limited workload suggests the team will be cautious with his return, while the injuries to DiGiorgio and Kiser could impact depth at key positions. The next public practice is scheduled for Aug. 2, which is already sold out.

Source: Yahoo Sports – Observations, players who stood out on Day 1 of Jaguars training camp (https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/observations-players-stood-day-1-161754361.html)