JACKSONVILLE – For Doug Pederson and all NFL decision-makers, these are difficult days.

But while the Jaguars' third-year head coach will tell you trimming the roster in a big way is most unpleasant, the big picture around the franchise these days remains positive.

Because Pederson likes the state of the Jaguars in 2024. So far.

"I'm happy, but you're never satisfied," he said.

Pederson spoke to the media on Monday morning. This was three days after the 2024 preseason finale and 13 days before the 2024 regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins, with Pederson praising the progress made since the late July beginning of 2024 Training Camp.

"There's still work to do and we can continue to get better," Pederson said. "We haven't seen all the pieces, but we're pleased with the development of the entire roster."

The Jaguars went unbeaten in the 2024 preseason, beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13 at EverBank Stadium in Preseason Week 1 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-7 in Preseason Week 2 – also at EverBank Stadium. They closed the preseason with a 31-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Friday.

The Jaguars entered training camp and preseason not emphasizing the depth chart, an approach designed to increase competition and improve depth. Pederson on Monday said he has been pleased with the approach's results.

"It helps tremendously," Pederson said. "You put a depth chart up and they start looking at numbers and it's, 'How long is the line?' Instead of, 'How can I get better and improve?' Then, you keep rolling them out there, whether they're working with the first unit or second unit, it doesn't matter.

"They're getting valuable reps, and I think it definitely plays into the psyche of the player. They're not looking at the length of the line."

"They're getting valuable reps, and I think it definitely plays into the psyche of the player. They're not looking at the length of the line."

Up next: Trimming the roster to the league-mandated 53 players.

The Jaguars began the process by releasing/waving 10 players Sunday. They traded veteran defensive end Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks Monday for an undisclosed draft selection, and must reach 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Teams can begin signing players to the 16-man practice squad Wednesday.

"It's never easy," Pederson said. "I've been in this business a while now and it's never easy to make these moves and these decisions. It's just unfortunate that's what the rules are. By doing it earlier than Tuesday, it allows these guys opportunities to be picked up, and we still have some moves to make.

"These guys have busted their tails and have done some good things and really put themselves in this position to hopefully now help another squad."

The Jaguars will practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week with a league-mandated three days off Friday through Sunday before returning to practice Monday in advance of the September 8 regular-season opener.

"We're still developing, we're still working," Pederson said. "There are some things we've got to clean up from the game the other night. We're still working on situational things as a team. Once we do get down to the 53 or so, and we get our practice squad guys back in here, then we can kind of get into an in-season routine with them.

"We'll look a little bit at Miami probably later in the week. But right now, it's still, 'Let's clean up the game and continue to push.' "

NOTABLE

• Pederson on Monday clarified a comment he made following Friday’s victory over Atlanta when he said backup quarterback Mac Jones at times reverts to his "Patriot ways." Jones, acquired by the Jaguars in a March trade with the New England Patriots, was selected No. 15 overall by that franchise and started the past three seasons. "I know this thing got blown out of proportion," Pederson said of reaction to the comments. "You revert back: Terminology, hand signals, plays, things like that. That's what you're talking about. Sometimes he pulls out an old hand signal or throws out some old terminology or something because that's what he's known. That's what he's been a part of for the last several years. It's not a slight, a knock or anything." Pederson added of Jones, "He has been great. He has been great for the [quarterback] room. He has played extremely well."

NOTABLE

• Wide receiver Christian Kirk returned to practice Tuesday after being out with a calf injury. Pederson said Kirk is "doing really well." Safety Daniel Thomas (heel) remains "day to day," Pederson said.