JACKSONVILLE – The plan, for now, is to stay in town.
With Hurricane Ian approaching and beginning to affect Jacksonville, Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson said the team plans to remain in town to prepare for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"We've got a team that's on top of the storm," Pederson said Wednesday as the Jaguars (2-1) prepared to play the Eagles (3-0) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., Sunday at 1 p.m. "It just appears right now that things are a little more favorable for Friday and Saturday for us, so we're staying."
The Jaguars practiced Wednesday according to their normal schedule, and they are expected to practice at the team's downtown facility Thursday and Friday. They are expected to leave Saturday for Sunday's game, which follows their normal typical departure time for road games.
"It's really the families," Pederson said. "If we leave, the families are still here fending for themselves. As husbands and dads, we want to make sure they're well-taken care of and the organization can help take care of the families."
Pederson said he addressed the situation with the team Wednesday morning.
"We know the storm's coming," Pederson said. "It can disrupt lives. The biggest thing is just maintaining focus and concentration. We've got people in place to help the players, the coaches and their families. Let's stay on task: Game plan today, tomorrow and Friday.
"If we have to adjust, we adjust. That's just part of it."
