Jaguars set to face New Orleans Saints as rookie get first game action

The first game of the 2026 preseason has arrived for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’ll take on the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 15 from the Caesars Superdome at 4 p.m., getting the first chance to have live reps since the end of last season.

Starters have already been ruled out from the game, meaning fans won’t see Trevor Lawrence during the contest. Lawrence admitted he’s not necessarily concerned with whether or not he plays in the preseason, feeling that he can get good work in no matter the setting.

The team conducted a joint practice with the Saints on Aug. 13 with Lawrence starting the day with an interception. But he bounced back to finish the practice strong, throwing several red zone touchdowns in a dominating period against the New Orleans defense.

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Coen also is turning over play calling duties to offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. It’ll free him up to do other things he typically wouldn’t be able to if he was zoned in on calling a game.

“It relieves a little anxiety,” Coen said with a laugh when asked about passing off the responsibility. “It's just good opportunities. I was provided that opportunity in L.A. with Sean [Rams Head Coach Sean McVay], and I know that it gave Sean a little bit more of an opportunity to go on the defensive side and hear a little bit more of what's going on over there.”

Coen doubled down on those thoughts after the joint practice, telling reporters he planned to be on the defensive headset to hear communication on that side of the ball. Coen also will be able to make player evaluations in real time as young players take center stage in game action. It’ll help with the process as the team tries to get their roster down to 53 by cut day at the end of the month.

Rookie wide receiver Josh Cameron ready for first preseason game with team

Saturday will be the first game action for rookie pass catcher Josh Cameron. He’s been an early standout, making several highlight catches throughout the start of training camp.

Now, he’ll get the chance to do that on an NFL field.

“I’m just trying to stay calm through it all,” the sixth-rounder said. Cameron’s family will be making the trip to New Orleans for the game. “I’m definitely really amped, really excited.”

Not only has Cameron impressed on offense, but he’s currently a starter on Jacksonville’s punt coverage team. He’s in the role of protector, a key facilitator in ensuring the punt gets off.

.@Josh_Cameron34 is cooking at camp 🍳@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVALpic.twitter.com/wF0cbWzhqN

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) July 30, 2026

It’s a change from his college days where he was an electric punt returner in his own right. But it’s a challenge he’s fully embracing.

Still, he’s most excited about the chance to make plays on offense, where he’s already logged contested catches against Jacksonville’s top two defensive backs in camp.

“There were some self-doubts, just being honest with myself, coming in and just these thoughts,” Cameron said. “Getting out there and remembering why I’m here. What I’m capable of, making those plays.”

Jaguars’ rookie class will get first chance to play in real game

It’s likely that the entire rookie class will be suiting up for the game. Some players will play sparingly, others will get plenty of reps. Regardless of undrafted free agent or draftee, the opportunity will be there to put their game on film.

Nate Boerkircher will likely be on the short end of play being that he’s starter-adjacent as the first tight end in line when the team goes to multi-tight end formations. Tanner Koziol likely will get plenty of reps and potentially the chance to show off some of his dynamic catch making abilities.

Emmanuel Pregnon dealt with injuries earlier in camp, but if he’s healthy, he’ll likely play a lot. Potentially at multiple positions across the offensive line as the team tries to cross-train him.

Just an appetizer for y'all...@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVALpic.twitter.com/Hnj1VYlzxW

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) May 12, 2026

Cameron likely will start the game and get a fair share of reps between offense and special teams. CJ Williams also should see several reps and targets on offense as he’s been a consistent performer throughout training camp.

Defensive linemen Wesley Williams and Albert Regis are expected to play a lot as the team tries to see what they have. Both players are vying for the chance to earn a reserve role behind the veterans on the defensive line. Same goes for Zach Durfee if he is healthy. He was starting to flash a bit before suffering an injury that forced him to miss multiple days.

Parker Hughes will play a lot as he tries to solidify a roster spot at a position that has been bit by the injury bug. The Jaguars have signed several linebackers throughout camp as they try to add depth at the position.

Jalen Huskey will have the chance to show off his physicality. The third-round pick had a quiet camp prior to the intersquad scrimmage. He’s a player who will likely shine when reps are live and he’s able to plow through ball carriers.

Jaguars QB Carter Bradley to get majority of play time at quarterback

The Jaguars are largely set at the quarterback position. Lawrence will be the starter with Nick Mullens backing him up.

However, they have an interesting decision to make at third-string quarterback. There’s rookie undrafted free agent Joey Aguillar and incumbent Carter Bradley. Bradley is ahead of the competition currently, but the preseason games will show a lot as they’ll get most of the reps in those contests.

Coen spoke about Bradley’s opportunity with reporters earlier in the week.

“He's definitely going to play. He's going to get a good amount of play, good amount of burn,” he said, adding that he doesn’t want him to overthink. “I really want to see Carter just go execute the offense at a high level. Eliminate any pre-snaps, the delays or pre-snap motion issues.”

The pre-snap penalties have shown themselves in training camp, which is typical for players who don’t get as many reps. But if he goes out and has a good showing, he’ll put the competition to bed early.

He did a solid job as the scout team quarterback last season, earning praise from teammates for how detailed he is in his preparation each week. He’ll get the chance to use that preparation in a real game now.

“You ultimately want to just see him operate, but also, man, do what also makes you good and how you like to play,” Coen said. “I don't want to take that away, but we can't have some of the pre-snaps and things. Want it to be clean.”

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars set to face New Orleans Saints as rookie get first game action