4 key Jaguars players who struggled during NFL training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been a team on the rise, with ever-increasing expectations heading into the 2024 NFL season. After a tumultuous 2023 campaign, the Jaguars entered this year’s training camp hoping to solidify their position as a contender in the AFC South. However, the road to success is fraught with challenges. This year, a handful of key Jaguars have struggled to get off to a hot start during training camp. In this article, we’ll delve into the struggles of four players who have yet to live up to expectations: Keilan Robinson, Joshua Cephus, Cam Little, and Breeland Speaks.

The Jaguars so far

Criticizing Trevor Lawrence is sure to spark debate. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback has a legion of loyal fans willing to defend his every move on social media. Mention his eventful NFL career and you’ll quickly see how protective they are.

But has Lawrence really lived up to the expectations of a quarterback making $55 million a year? Even his most ardent fans might hesitate before giving a definitive answer.

Had Lawrence not been sidelined by an upper-ankle sprain against the Bengals in 2023, the Jaguars might not have lost five of their final six games. Maybe they would have clinched the AFC South again. Plus, maybe some of the hype around C.J. Stroud would have been directed toward Lawrence. Remember, he led Jacksonville to the AFC South title in 2022. The high price tag on his contract extension might not have made as much of an impact.

On the other hand, the Jaguars aren’t just focused on Lawrence. They have plenty of other players they should be concerned about.

Here we look at four key Jacksonville Jaguars players who struggled during the 2024 NFL training camp.

Keilan Robinson, running back

A player can have all the talent in the world, but it’s of little use if he can’t get on the field. For rookie Keilan Robinson, that reality has been tough. The running back missed the first preseason game due to an injury.

At 191 pounds, Robinson isn’t built to be a three-down back, but his time at Texas showed his potential to make an impact in the return game. However, a sprain has kept him out of training camp. This puts his roster spot in jeopardy.

To complicate matters, fellow running back Jalen Jackson has made the most of Robinson’s absence. He has impressed both in training camp and during the preseason. As a result, Robinson’s chances of securing a spot on the 53-man roster appear slim at the moment.

There’s no doubt that the Jaguars’ coaching staff likes Robinson. Special teams coach Heath Farwell even expressed his satisfaction with the rookie’s progress. That said, time is running out for Robinson to prove he’s worthy of a roster spot.

Joshua Cephus, wide receiver

Undrafted free agents like Joshua Cephus often attract a lot of support. Cephus was a standout player for the UTSA Roadrunners. He made the most of his opportunities in training camp, but had a disappointing performance in the first preseason game.

Cephus played 12 snaps, recorded just one three-yard reception and dropped one pass. For a player facing an uphill battle to make the team, that kind of performance isn’t going to help his cause. The competition for a roster spot is likely to continue until final cuts, but it’s fair to say Cephus didn’t do much in the opener to improve his chances of making the Jaguars.

Cam Little, K

You could argue that Cam Little doesn’t deserve to be on this list, given that he made 3 of 4 field goal attempts in the preseason opener. However, the field goal missed from 62 yards. It was a kick that had the necessary distance but just missed the target.

Head coach Doug Pederson wasn’t too worried. He wanted to see how Little would handle such a sticky situation. However, Little now needs to prove that he can bounce back from a mistake and take advantage of his next opportunity.

Breeland speaks, DE

Breeland Speaks is on a mission to return to the NFL after being named the UFL Defensive Player of the Year. He signed with the Jaguars before the start of the preseason. He has a resume that includes 13 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in just 10 games for the Michigan Panthers.

Speaks saw action in the second half and managed to make a few plays. However, he also committed a costly foul for not touching his face. Given his position on the roster, every play could tip the scales. Unfortunately, fouls like the one he committed don’t bode well for his chances of staying with the team in Jacksonville.

Looking to the future

As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for what promises to be a pivotal season, the performances of players like Keilan Robinson, Joshua Cephus, Cam Little and Breeland Speaks will be under scrutiny. Training camp is not just a time for players to hone their skills. It is also a critical period for them to secure their roles on the team. For these four, early struggles have put their ability to contribute into question when the regular season begins. However, the NFL is a league of second chances and quick turnarounds. As the Jaguars continue their preparations, the next few weeks will be crucial for these players to prove they can help Jacksonville achieve its ambitious goals. The pressure is on them and only time will tell who rises to the occasion and who falls short.