JACKSONVILLE – These are tough decisions. They're also necessary ones.

The Jaguars on Wednesday afternoon confirmed their second major roster move in three weeks, with Cam Robinson – previously the team's longest-tenured player – traded as the 2024 midseason point approaches.

If the move was difficult, it was also timely. And part of professional football.

"It's never easy," Head Coach Doug Pederson said as the Jaguars (2-6) prepared to play the Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., Sunday. "The biggest thing is how much you appreciate what the players have put in, the hard work.

"Whether they were drafted here or not, it's never easy."

Pederson spoke to the media Wednesday morning before the trade became official, with the team announcing late Wednesday afternoon that Robinson had been traded to the Minnesota Vikings for "draft-pick compensation."

The Jaguars on October 14 traded veteran defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris to the Seattle Seahawks – also for draft-pick compensation. The NFL's trade deadline is November 5.

"I'm very appreciative of what he's done for me," quarterback Trevor Lawrence said of Robinson. "I've got a soft spot for those guys up front. They have a hard job, very selfless. He has been here a long time, so I'm grateful for him. I wish him the best.

"I've loved playing with him the past few years."

Robinson, a second-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, started at left tackle for the Jaguars from 2017-2023 and also started the first seven games of the 2024 regular season. He played swing tackle in a loss to the Green Bay Packers at EverBank Stadium this past Sunday, marking the first time he hadn't started at left tackle when healthy since joining the Jaguars.

Walker Little, a second-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, started at left tackle for Robinson against the Packers. Robinson left a Week 8 victory over the New England Patriots with a concussion and spent the week in concussion protocol before being cleared Saturday.

"Walker took all the plays, all the snaps, during the week," Pederson said. "We felt it was best for the five offensive linemen – really the eight that were going to dress for that game – that once Cam got cleared he would go in as the backup tackle."

Little has started 18 games in three seasons for the Jaguars, starting the last three games at left tackle in 2022 when Robinson was injured and starting there when Robinson was suspended four games to start the 2023 season. He also has played right tackle and guard during his NFL career, with 14 career starts at left tackle and four at guard.

"It's obviously a great opportunity to go out there and be able to play and play meaningful football against the really good teams we have coming up," Little said. "It's exciting and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Pederson said Little appears more comfortable at tackle than guard.

"That space element of playing tackle is one thing," Pederson said. "Guards, you don't have to necessarily move as far and there are a lot more bodies around you. His size is good for guard, but I think it better suits him personally as a tackle."

Pederson and Lawrence on Wednesday spoke of having high confidence in Little, with Pederson saying, "We feel great about him."

"He has been here," Pederson said. "He has worn a lot of hats for us. He has played inside, he has played outside. He has played both tackle spots. I think after the first little bit of the game [against the Packers], he really settled into some nice things and we have a lot of confidence moving forward.

"There's a lot of season left, but it's a great opportunity for him to embrace. It would be just a great opportunity and see where it goes from there."

Said Lawrence, "Walker's done a great job. I'm excited for this opportunity for him. He has played great when he has had opportunities. He has been put in some tough spots and had to play a lot of different positions. He has been ready for his opportunities and that's not easy to do when you're not the full-time guy.

"We have all the faith in the world in Walker and I'm excited for him."

Also on Wednesday, Pederson said veteran Cole Van Lanen likely will be the "swing tackle moving forward. Van Lanen, who made the roster with a strong training camp and preseason, has been inactive the first eight games of the season.