2.An issue of depth. Whether starters play will decide how much some of these storylines pertain specifically to Friday, but offensive line depth has emerged as a main preseason Jaguars issue. Guard Patrick Mekari, a starter last season, underwent recent back surgery and is expected to be out early in the regular season. Guard Wyatt Milum, who was expected to compete with Mekari in training camp, has been out of practice recently and the Jaguars on Thursday traded a seventh-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for guard Daniel Faalele. A positive here: Tackle Cole Van Lanen, on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a knee injury to start camp, was moved to the active roster Thursday. Rookie guard Emmanuel Pregnon has impressed recently, and could push to make the Jaguars’ early season starting five as follows: Left tackle Anton Harrison, Pregnon, veteran Robert Hainsey, right guard Ezra Cleveland and Van Lanen. Injury issues here may mean a slew of reserves playing Friday to secure roster and practice-squad spots.
