JACKSONVILLE – All healthy players are expected to play Saturday.
That was the Jaguars' news of the day – and of the week – with Head Coach Liam Coen on Thursday saying he plans to play starters against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Saturday’s 2025 preseason opener at EverBank Stadium.
"We will play everyone," Coen said.
Coen, speaking after a comparatively short and light two-hour practice on Day 12 of 2025 Jaguars Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center, said game circumstances will determine how long each player will play.
Coen added that he planned to speak with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin so the two will have an idea about playing time for starters and backups.
"Everybody's going to play in this game," he said, with veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis adding, "I think it's a good thing that we go out there and try to showcase it against somebody else."
Jaguars rookie wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter as expected will play both offense and defense, Coen said. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter is expected to play both sides this season and has alternated between them defense in practice this week after working exclusively on one side or the other in early camp practices.
Coen, after saying early this week he was undecided on playing front-line players Saturday, said he came to the decision after speaking to players such as quarterback Trevor Lawrence and center Robert Hainsey this week.
"A lot of the guys want to play," Coen said. "It's probably the best thing for our team right now."
Coen added of his conversation with Hainsey, a veteran with whom Coen worked while offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, "He just came up the other day in the weight room and was just, like, 'What are we doing?' I'm like, 'I'm still working on it.' He said, 'We want to play' – Trevor as well and some of the guys, so it'll be good."