Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Jacksonville Jaguars

The 2024 NFL season has been a true test of team depth for the Jacksonville Jaguars, as injuries and absences forced the franchise to rely on its reserves far more than expected. What began as concerns over key players sidelining quickly turned into an opportunity to showcase the roster’s depth—a strength built through intentional off-season signings, draft picks, and cross-training during camp. Instead of crumbling under the pressure, the Jaguars’ backups stepped up, proving that the team’s success wasn’t dependent on a small group of stars but on the entire roster. Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Jacksonville Jaguars explores how these challenges arose, which reserve players stepped into critical roles, and how the experience strengthened the team’s playoff readiness.

Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Jacksonville Jaguars starts with the offensive line’s early-season depth test, triggered by left tackle Cam Robinson’s knee injury in Week 13. Robinson, a veteran and anchor of the line, was expected to miss 6–8 weeks, leaving a gap in protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s blind side. The Jaguars turned to Walker Little, a 2021 second-round pick who had spent most of his career as a backup, to take over left tackle. Additionally, rookie Jason Brooks—drafted in the third round—stepped in at right tackle when starter Jawaan Taylor was sidelined with a concussion. Despite the changes, the line didn’t falter: over the next four games, they allowed just three sacks and helped the Jaguars rush for an average of 142 yards per game. Little, in particular, impressed by holding elite edge rushers like the Saints’ Cameron Jordan to zero sacks in their Week 16 matchup. “We never doubted Walker or Jason,” offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said. “We cross-train every lineman at multiple positions in camp, so when injuries hit, they’re ready. This test showed that our line depth is real.”

Another significant depth test came in the secondary, where injuries to two starting safeties forced reserves into the spotlight. In Week 10, Andre Cisco—who led the team in interceptions at the time—suffered a hamstring strain, and just two weeks later, starting strong safety Daniel Thomas was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. The Jaguars turned to Rayshawn Jenkins, a veteran backup, and rookie seventh-round pick Tyree Gillespie to fill the void. Jenkins, who had primarily played special teams before, shifted to free safety and recorded two interceptions in his first three starts. Gillespie, meanwhile, stepped in at strong safety and made a game-saving tackle on fourth-and-1 in Week 14 against the Buccaneers. Defensive backs coach Tony Oden credited the duo’s success to their preparation. “We don’t treat backups like backups—they get the same reps in practice as starters,” Oden said. “Jenkins and Gillespie knew their roles inside out, and when their number was called, they delivered. That’s the mark of good depth.” The secondary didn’t skip a beat, allowing just 185 passing yards per game during the stretch—proving the unit’s strength beyond its starting lineup.

A key phase of Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Jacksonville Jaguars is the wide receiver corps’ depth challenge in November, which highlighted how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ off-season moves paid off. Starter Zay Jones missed three games with a hamstring injury, and Calvin Ridley was sidelined for one game with a rib issue, leaving the Jaguars short on experience in the passing game. The team turned to Tank Dell, a fifth-round rookie, and Xavier Gipson—who had primarily played returner—to step into larger offensive roles. Dell quickly became a reliable target for Lawrence, hauling in 15 catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns during Jones’ absence. His best game came in Week 15 against the Texans, where he caught six passes for 75 yards and a score to help seal the win. Gipson, meanwhile, used his speed to create separation in the slot, adding 12 catches for 140 yards. “We signed and drafted these guys because we believed they could contribute,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “Tank and Xavier didn’t just fill roles—they made plays that won games. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this showed that our receiver depth is among the best in the AFC.” The corps’ ability to stay productive despite injuries kept the offense balanced and dangerous.

The Jaguars’ running back room also faced a depth test in December, when starter Travis Etienne missed two games with an ankle sprain. Etienne, who was on pace for a 1,200-yard season, left a void in the run game and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. The team turned to two reserves: JaMycal Hasty, a free-agent signing, and rookie third-round pick De’Von Achane. Hasty stepped into the lead role, rushing for 190 yards and a touchdown in the two games, while also catching eight passes for 65 yards. Achane, known for his speed, provided a change of pace, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and scoring a 30-yard rushing touchdown in Week 17 against the Ravens. Running backs coach Taylor Embree said the duo’s performance was a result of shared reps in practice. “We rotate backs constantly during the week, so Hasty and Achane know exactly how we run our scheme,” Embree said. “They didn’t have to adjust—they just had to play their game. That’s the benefit of building depth at every position.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the running back room’s resilience ensured the offense didn’t lose its ground game momentum, a critical factor in maintaining wins during the playoff push.

Wrapping up Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Jacksonville Jaguars is how these challenges shaped the team’s identity and playoff readiness. What could have been a season-derailing string of injuries instead became a showcase of the Jaguars’ roster strength and coaching foresight. Every depth test—whether on the offensive line, in the secondary, at wide receiver, or at running back—proved that the team had built a roster where no single player’s absence would sink the ship. Head coach Doug Pederson noted that these experiences made the team “tougher and more adaptable.” “In the playoffs, injuries are inevitable,” Pederson said. “We’ve already been tested, and we know our backups can perform at a high level. That confidence is priceless.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2024 season’s depth tests weren’t just obstacles—they were opportunities to grow. As the team heads into the postseason, they carry with them the knowledge that their success is a team effort, one that extends from the starters to the last player on the roster. Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Jacksonville Jaguars ultimately tells a story of preparation, resilience, and the power of building a complete roster—one that’s ready to compete, no matter who’s on the field.