Jaguars: Jacksonville Starters to Open NFL Preseason in Dallas

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Aug. 11, 2023 - PRLog -- The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Dallas for the first of three preseason contests on Saturday.

Jacksonville is 3-3 all-time against the Cowboys in the preseason, most recently defeating the Cowboys on the road in 2021, 34-14. In that game, rookie QB Trevor Lawrence led two first quarter touchdown drives to cap his first preseason in the NFL.

"One thing that really helps him is having the type of guys around him that he has and the way they practice every single day that puts him in game-like situations", head coach Doug Pederson said of his third-year quarterback. "It's my job to make sure we are practicing these scenarios and that he understands exactly what we're trying to get done. I think that consistency now will continue to elevate and get his game even better as we go."

He's coming off a 2022 campaign in which he threw 25 touchdown passes to just eight interceptions.

One player ready for preseason to start is outside linebacker Travon Walker, even if not sure how much he will play.

"To be honest, I'm really not sure. However long they leave me in the game, that's how long I'll play. I'm not complaining as long as I can get some snaps in. When they take me out, they take me out," Walker said.

Pederson told the NFL Network that the starters – including quarterback Trevor Lawrence – likely will play at least one series.

Saturday will a Jaguars' in-game debut for Calvin Ridley. The reciver was acquired by Jacksonville in a trade with Atlanta but didn't did not play in 2022 due to a NFL suspension.

"He's definitely been one that has embraced his opportunity," Pederson said. "He's hungry. He's eager. He's determined to get back out there on the big stage."

Pederson said rookie right tackle Anton Harrison, the No. 27 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, will see playing time.

"He's progressing really well," Pederson said on Wednesday. "He'll be fine for Saturday, barring any setbacks in the next couple of days. It's his first NFL game, so you'll maybe see him in there a series or two after ones come out."

Walker Little is expected to work with the first team and that Cam Robinson will is expected play Saturday.

"You don't plan on playing them long at all, but get them in, get them out and still get some quality work in," he said Wednesday.

The Jaguars open the NFL regular season at Indianapolis, Sept. 10.

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