JACKSONVILLE – The focus changed a bit Wednesday.
The Jaguars, two days removed from 2023 Training Camp's "dog days," moved to shorter and lighter work in a one-hour, 40-minute practice on camp's 12th day. The Jaguars on Wednesday worked in shells and shorts following three consecutive padded practices Saturday through Monday, with Monday featuring the only live hitting of '23 camp to date.
Talk on Wednesday turned to the preseason, now three days away.
"I think it's important for them to play, to feel the excitement around a game," Doug Pederson said early Wednesday morning at the Miller Electric Center.
Pederson, in his second season as the Jaguars' head coach, was discussing starters' playing time when the Jaguars visit the Dallas Cowboys in the '23 preseason opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Saturday. He, earlier this week, told the NFL Network that the starters – including quarterback Trevor Lawrence – likely will play a series or two in that game.
"You don't plan on playing them long at all, but get them in, get them out and still get some quality work in," he said Wednesday.
Pederson said rookie right tackle Anton Harrison could not only play Saturday but play a bit longer than other starters. The No. 27 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Harrison sustained a shoulder issue early in camp.
"He's progressing really well," Pederson said. "He'll be fine for Saturday, barring any setbacks in the next couple of days. It's his first NFL game, so you'll maybe see him in there a series or two after ones come out."
Pederson, too, said he expects Walker Little to work solely with the first team Saturday – and that Cam Robinson also will play Saturday. Little, a third-year veteran, has worked mostly with the first team at left tackle during camp with Robinson – the starting left tackle from 2017-2022 – scheduled to serve a four-game suspension to start the season. Little also has worked at guard during camp.
"I don't know if there's going to be enough reps to do that right now," Pederson said of Little playing guard in Preseason Week 1.
Pederson also said wide receiver Calvin Ridley will play Saturday. The game will mark the Jaguars game debut for Ridley, a veteran who was acquired by the Jaguars in a November 2022 trade and who did not play last season while serving an NFL suspension.
"He's definitely been one that has embraced his opportunity," Pederson said. "He's hungry. He's eager. He's determined to get back out there on the big stage. He's done a nice job of understanding our offense. We're figuring him out now. He's figuring us out."
Asked if Ridley might play longer than most starters, Pederson replied: "Not necessarily. I don't need to see him too much longer.
"I probably won't play him much," Pederson added.
PLAY OF THE DAY
- This was an easy choice Wednesday, with cornerback Chris Claybrooks turning in one of the more spectacular plays of Jaguars '23 camp. Claybrooks, a third-year veteran, leaped high in early 11-on-11 drill and made a one-handed interception off a long pass from backup quarterback C.J. Beathard to wide receiver Seth Williams. Claybrooks secured the interception as he rolled onto his back as the fans at the MEC cheered.
STANDING OUT
- This was a shorter practice than the two-plus-hour sessions Pederson put the Jaguars through Sunday and Monday, so there were fewer highlight plays produced. One of the day's biggest plays came on the final play, with tight end Josh Pederson – son of Doug Pederson – turning a short pass from rookie quarterback Nathan Rourke into a long catch-and-run touchdown…
- Veteran wide receiver Zay Jones continued a strong camp with multiple receptions from quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 11-on-11 drills…
- Second-year running back Snoop Conner had two solid runs in 11-on-11 work…
- Nose tackle DaVon Hamilton nearly had an interception off a shovel pass from Lawrence…
- Wide receiver Jacob Harris had a touchdown on a deep pass from Lawrence in 7-on-7 work…
- Outside linebacker Josh Allen and defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter had strong repetitions in one-on-one pass rush work…
- Wide receiver Tim Jones had a nice 15-yard reception early in 11-on-11 work, then dropped a deep pass wide open near the goal-line later in practice…
INJURY REPORT
- Starting cornerback Tyson Campbell practiced in a protected orange jersey Wednesday after missing Sunday and Monday practice while in the concussion protocol with a concussion sustained Saturday. Veteran guard Tyler Shatley continued to work on the side after having an atrial fibrillation last Wednesday. Defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (Achilles) and left guard Ben Bartch (knee) remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start camp.
