JACKSONVILLE — The Jaguars traded a seventh-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for guard Daniel Faalele on Thursday, a move driven by mounting offensive line injuries ahead of their Preseason Week 2 game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium.
Guard Patrick Mekari, a starter last season, recently underwent back surgery and is expected to miss time early in the regular season. Guard Wyatt Milum, who was expected to compete with Mekari in training camp, has also been out of practice recently, leaving Head Coach Liam Coen scrambling for depth. Tackle Cole Van Lanen, who opened camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a knee injury, was moved to the active roster Thursday — a bright spot in an otherwise thin unit.
Rookie guard Emmanuel Pregnon has impressed recently and could push into the early-season starting five alongside left tackle Anton Harrison, veteran center Robert Hainsey, right guard Ezra Cleveland and Van Lanen. The injury issues may mean a heavy rotation of reserves Friday as players compete for roster and practice-squad spots.
Coen entered the week uncertain whether starters would play against Carolina at 7 p.m. Friday. After a productive joint practice with the Panthers at the Miller Electric Center on Wednesday, Coen said he was reconsidering — a significant lean toward keeping front-line players on the sideline for the preseason home opener. Backup quarterback Nick Mullens will start if the starters sit. Mullens completed three of seven passes for 33 yards with an interception in the Preseason Week 1 victory over the New Orleans Saints. “When he has time and there are things happening in rhythm for him, things are good. I trust Nick,” Coen said Wednesday. Third-team quarterback Carter Bradley completed 10 of 17 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown with an interception against the Saints, and rookie Joey Aguilar completed his only pass attempt for 43 yards.
Friday’s game also offers evaluation time for a group of rookies and young players who stood out in Week 1: cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, running back J’Mari Taylor, wide receivers Josh Cameron, CJ Williams and Trebor Peña, and defensive end B.J. Green II. The pass-rush competition behind veteran ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker is particularly crowded, with Green, Danny Striggow, Wesley Williams and Zach Durfee all pushing for roles. Undrafted free agent Bryan Thomas Jr. recorded a sack against the Saints. The Jaguars may keep six defensive ends on the regular-season roster, with five often active on game day.
Kickoff against the Panthers is set for 7 p.m. Friday at EverBank Stadium, with the Jaguars’ final preseason game to follow the next week before 53-man roster cuts.