JACKSONVILLE – Winning would matter very much.
Darrell Bevell made that clear Wednesday – and while the Jaguars' interim head coach was answering a question about Trevor Lawrence, Bevell made clear a victory Sunday would benefit the entire team.
"It would be a boost for all of us," he said as the Jaguars (2-12) prepared to play the New York Jets (3-11) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday at 1 p.m.
Bevell, speaking during his weekly Wednesday media availability, discussed multiple issues – including the possibility that tight end Dan Arnold could return before the end of the season.
But Bevell said the focus is winning. The Jaguars, who lost their first five games of the season before winning two of three games, have lost six consecutive games. They have not led in any of those games and trailed by 10 or more points in the first half all six.
"All these guys are in here working hard," Bevell said. "Everybody's working toward that common goal – to get a win. We're trying to eliminate all the distractions and get focused back on the football field. Whether it's Trevor or anyone else, I think we're looking forward to getting a win."
NOTABLE I
The Jaguars made a series of roster moves Wednesday morning, including moving Arnold to the injured reserve/designated-to-return list. The move means Arnold could possibly return before season's end. "He has been doing a great job of rehab," Bevell said. "He's working his tail off. He wants to get back and help out and feels like he can help Trevor. We're going to open it up and see what he can start doing." Bevell added, "It would be a big boost. It really would. He's a great talent. He has a lot of speed. I think it presents a problem to the defense, but we'll just see how far he can come in the next few days." Arnold, acquired in a Week 4 trade with the Carolina Panthers, caught 28 passes for 324 yards in nine games for the Jaguars before sustaining a sprained medial collateral ligament in a Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. "He adds an element to this offense," Lawrence said. "Guys like him, whenever you can get them back, it's always huge. It's a matchup we've always felt was really good for us since he's gotten here. He has been really productive."
NOTABLE II
Wednesday morning's three other roster moves: running back Ryquell Armstead signed off the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers, linebacker Dylan Moses returning to practice but remaining on the non-football injury list and running back/wide receiver Travis Etienne Jr. placed on the COVID-19 list. The Moses move is a positive for the undrafted rookie free agent, who has been on the non-football injury list because of a knee issue since shortly before the beginning of the regular season. "Dylan's worked his tail off to be able to get everything right, to give himself an opportunity to get on the field," Bevell said. "We all love this game so much. All the effort and pain you go through to get back out there. It's a huge accomplishment for him and I'm sure he's raring to go."
NOTABLE III
Wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. missed practice Wednesday with shoulder and foot issues – and was one of seven Jaguars players out of practice. The others: kicker Matthew Wright (personal), linebacker Myles Jack (knee), linebacker Damien Wilson (rest), linebacker/defensive end Lerentee McCray (ankle), guard Andrew Norwell (back) and defensive lineman Malcom Brown (toe). Four Jaguars players practiced limited Wednesday: running back James Robinson (knee), linebacker/defensive end Josh Allen (shoulder), offensive lineman Will Richardson Jr. (back) and tight end Chris Manhertz (shoulder). Left tackle Cam Robinson practiced full with a neck issue.
