JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars 2024 Training Camp continued Friday.
It was the eighth day of the third training camp under Head Coach Doug Pederson, featuring a padded, live-contact practice at the Miller Electric Center. Each day throughout camp, members of Jaguars Media – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick and team reporter Kainani Stevens – will share an observation.
Here are Friday's campservations:"
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
The NFL is a violent, dangerous league – and fans, players and observers at the MEC Friday saw as much in real time. Tight end Patrick Murtagh, the team's International Player Pathway representative this season, sustained a right ankle injury in a goal-line drill in the team's first "live-hitting" practice of '24 camp. Murtagh's ankle twisted in a difficult-to-see angle, with fans groaning and kneeling players turning away moments later as a team physician twisted it back into place. Murtagh rode a cart from the field with his ankle in an air cast. The injury was by far the toughest to witness at a Jaguars practice in recent memory and brought to mind for longtime Jaguars observers a severe and similar injury sustained by running back and Jacksonville native Leon Brown in the team's 1995 expansion-season training camp. Scenes this difficult thankfully occur relatively rarely in the NFL, but they certainly serve as a reminder of the inherent risk of this game. Murtagh from all reports was one of the most likeable players in this locker room and had a chance to earn a role and playing time with this franchise at some point. Here's hoping and wishing him the best.
Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent …
It felt like the offensive line had a pretty good day Friday. From short-yardage, where the Jaguars struggled last season, to the inside running game – and even in one-on-one pass-rush drills – the offensive line seemed to excel Friday. I base much of that on the enthusiasm and volume level of offensive line coach Phil Rauscher, who is always known to share an opinion – good or bad. He appeared pretty happy Friday. Walker Little had a few really nice reps at left tackle against defensive end Travon Walker, which isn't easy, and center Mitch Morse – who had his hands full with nose tackle DaVon Hamilton the other day – was much more in control of the situation. Mix in some quality reps from guards Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff, combined with the success on the goal line, it was very specifically a good day for an interior offensive line that wasn't very good in 2023.
J.P. Shadrick, Jaguars Senior Reporter/Editor…
Friday's practice was the most intense of training camp so far, with full tackling to the ground in many team periods including short-yardage, goal-line and backed-up situations. The short yardage and goal line have been an offseason focus for the offense, while the defense took advantage of one of the few opportunities to work on real tackling before game action. An unfortunate part of any live practice is the possibility of injury, as Murtagh suffered a gruesome lower right leg injury during goal-line work. After the medical team worked on him and stabilized the leg, he had a smile on his face and pumped up the crowd as he was carted off before practice resumed. The Jaguars head into EverBank Stadium Saturday for another padded practice, now one week away from the World Champion Kansas City Chiefs coming to town for Preseason Week 1.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...
Friday was a tough day for the Jaguars as multiple players were lost due to injury. Murtagh was carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg. Left tackle Cam Robinson exited practice late with a reported shoulder injury and tight end Josh Pederson also sustained a serious ankle injury. Right tackle Anton Harrison missed practice because he has entered the concussion protocol. With so many players out, it will be paramount to continue to get the younger players prepared for game action. I suspect we'll see a free-agent addition to the tight end room soon.
