JACKSONVILLE — The Jaguars deactivated quarterback Quinn Ewers and five other players 90 minutes before kickoff for their Week 1 opener against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium, elevating veteran Nick Mullens from the practice squad to serve as Trevor Lawrence’s backup.
Ewers, a second-year signal-caller, was among six players ruled inactive. Tight end Tanner Koziol, offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, defensive end Wesley Williams, defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. and safety Jalen Huskey also were deactivated. The move to bring Mullens up from the practice squad came Saturday, giving Jacksonville an experienced insurance policy behind Lawrence.
Running back Allen, who missed much of training camp with a hip issue and was listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury report, is active for the opener. His availability had been one of the key roster questions heading into the weekend.
Right tackle Cole Van Lanen, who had been dealing with a knee issue, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who was nursing a thumb injury, and left tackle Anton Harrison, who had a foot ailment, were all listed without game status Friday and were therefore expected to play. All three are active.
The game at EverBank Stadium marks the first regular-season action for Jacksonville’s retooled roster, with Lawrence taking the field behind a line that includes Van Lanen and Harrison at the tackle spots.