MARK LONG Pro Football Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) is challenged by Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) during the second half of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

Jaguars plan for two-way star Travis Hunter to have a higher emphasis on defense in 2026

January 14, 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars will continue playing Travis Hunter on both sides of the ball but expect him to have a “higher emphasis” on defense in 2026. General manager James Gladstone indicates Hunter could slide into a starting cornerback role when organized training activities begin in May. End-of-season starters Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome II are pending free agents, creating potential holes at the position. Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and the second overall draft pick last year, had season-ending surgery in early November to repair the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee. He is expected back on the field long before training camp.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) stands next to head coach Liam Coen during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Trevor Lawrence has to ‘live with’ costly turnovers in Jaguars’ playoff loss to Bills

January 11, 2026

It’s hard to blame Jacksonville coach Liam Coen for relying on quarterback Trevor Lawrence against Buffalo. Lawrence pretty much carried the Jaguars to the playoffs. But Lawrence looked little like the AFC player of the month for December and January in a 27-24 loss to the Bills that ended one of the franchise’s most surprising seasons. Lawrence threw two interceptions, including one on the final possession, and turned the ball over on downs early in the second quarter when his shin touched the ground on a fourth-and-2 run deep in Buffalo territory. He says “you’ve got to live with it. It’s life.”

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) pushes in for a first down as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) tries to stop him during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Josh Allen leads Bills over Jags 27-24 for Buffalo’s first road playoff victory in 33 years

January 11, 2026

Josh Allen took a pounding, doled out punishment and delivered Buffalo its first road playoff victory in more than three decades, 27-24 over Jacksonville on Sunday. Allen found Brandin Cooks for 36 yards just before the two-minute warning and then capped the go-ahead drive with a 1-yard touchdown run in which Jacksonville let him score. On the play before his score, Allen gained 10 yards on a sneak, refusing to go down while being pushed and pulled to the goal line. Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He was sacked just once and played turnover-free football.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Down 50 pounds, Liam Coen’s personal transformation mirrors Jacksonville’s dramatic turnaround

January 10, 2026

Liam Coen’s personal transformation mirrors Jacksonville’s evolution. The NFL coach of the year candidate has lost roughly 50 pounds while leading a dramatic turnaround that ranks among the most impressive in league history. Edgy, energetic and extremely competitive, Coen undoubtedly sets the tone for the scrappy and surprising Jaguars. The 40-year-old play-caller is widely praised for his communication skills and is the driving force behind a team that’s averaging 32.8 points during its eight-game winning streak. He’s also considered a master motivator who finds ways to keep his guys feeling overlooked. It’s not hard in Jacksonville, which is a home underdog against Buffalo in their AFC wild-card matchup Sunday.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs the ball past Tennessee Titans outside linebackers Truman Jones (56) and Jaylen Harrell, far right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Streaking Jaguars clinch AFC South title with a 41-7 drubbing of Titans

January 4, 2026

Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes, breaking the franchise’s single-season record for total scores, and the Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South and earned a home playoff game with a 41-7 drubbing of Tennessee. It was most lopsided outcome in series history. The Jaguars (13-4) clinched their third division title in nine years, swept the Titans (3-14) for the third time in four seasons and topped a dozen wins for just the second time in the team’s 31-year history. Titans rookie Cam Ward injured his throwing shoulder early and spent most of the game on the sideline in a sling.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) runs the ball past Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Titans QB Cam Ward leaves season finale at Jaguars with right shoulder injury

January 4, 2026

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward left the team’s season finale at Jacksonville after landing on his right shoulder during a touchdown run. Ward was slow to get up following linebacker Foye Oluokun’s tackle that drove him into the ground and ended up getting checked out in the team’s medical tent. But he left there and walked into a nearby tunnel opposite the team’s locker room, presumably to get taken to the onsite X-ray machine at Everbank Stadium. Journeyman backup Brandon Allen, a sixth-round draft pick by Jacksonville in 2016, replaced Ward on the next possession. It was the first snaps Ward has missed this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen looks on before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Jaguars and new left tackle Cole Van Lanen agree to 3-year extension, AP source says

January 2, 2026

A person familiar with negotiations says the Jacksonville Jaguars and new starting left tackle Cole Van Lanen have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side confirmed the deal. ESPN and NFL Network reported the deal was worth $51 million and included $32.5 million guaranteed. Van Lanen started the last eight games for Jacksonville and played so well that he supplanted starting left tackle Walker Little at the position for this season and the foreseeable future.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) celebrates after a catch and run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Jaguars have the AFC South title and a home playoff game within reach against the Titans

January 2, 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars can wrap up the AFC South title with a victory against Tennessee on Sunday. Jacksonville has won seven consecutive games and is a 13½-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The Jaguars are 11-0 in franchise history when favored by 12 or more points. They haven’t had as much on the line in any of those previous matchups. They need a win to hold off another hot team, the Houston Texans, and secure the division title and a home playoff game. The Titans have won two of their last four games. They are looking to play spoiler in their finale.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Jaguars show warrior mentality in latest win that has them poised for AFC playoffs

December 29, 2025

Jacksonville’s best win of its surprising season transpired at Indianapolis. Not only did the Jaguars play without three starters, including two offensive linemen, they had a handful of players dealing with illness. They also fell behind 10-0 in their second consecutive road game and were dealt the kind of early game adversity that would have caused recent iterations of this franchise to crumble. The Jaguars rallied to win 23-17 and showed just how ready they are for anything that comes their way in the postseason. Now they look to clinch the AFC South by beating Tennessee in the regular-season finale.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen looks on during the first half against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Jaguars derive extra motivation from Pro Bowl voting ahead of AFC playoffs

December 26, 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars have new motivation for their postseason run: Pro Bowl snubs. The 11-4 Jaguars landed just one player on the AFC roster announced this week. And it wasn’t even a positional player. Long snapper Ross Matiscik was the team’s only selection. Running back Travis Etienne, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, linebacker Devin Lloyd and kick returner Parker Washington were voted alternates and still could land spots in the Pro Bowl Games. But coach Liam Coen says the oversight “just speaks volumes” about the perception of the Jaguars.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Jaguars CB Jourdan Lewis to have season-ending foot surgery, AP source says

December 25, 2025

A person familiar with the injury says Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis will have season-ending foot surgery. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the player nor the team has confirmed Lewis’ status. Lewis injured his foot in a 34-20 victory at Denver last Sunday. He’s the team’s second starting cornerback lost for the season, following rookie Travis Hunter (knee). Greg Newsome II, Montaric Brown and Jarrian Jones will be counted on to handle the workload down the stretch, beginning at Indianapolis on Sunday, and in the postseason.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) looks on during the second half against the New York Jets an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Trevor Lawrence finally looks like a generational quarterback and has the Jaguars surging

December 19, 2025

Trevor Lawrence finally looks like the generational quarterback the Jacksonville Jaguars have been waiting on since drafting him as the top pick in 2021. His mistakes are down, his numbers are up and he’s using his legs like never before. He is coming off the best performance of his five-year NFL career against the New York Jets. He threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran for a score. He was named AFC offensive player of the week and has a shot at the league’s conference player of the month if he continues to ascend when the surprising Jaguars play at stingy Denver on Sunday.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a pass play against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Receiver Jakobi Meyers and the Jaguars agree to a 3-year, $60M extension, AP source says

December 18, 2025

A person familiar with the negotiations says receiver Jakobi Meyers and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms on a three-year, $60 million contract extension that includes $40 million guaranteed. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side disclosed financial details. The Jaguars traded two 2026 draft picks — fourth- and sixth-rounders — to Las Vegas to acquire Meyers at the trade deadline in early November. The 29-year-old Meyers has 27 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns in six games with Jacksonville, becoming Trevor Lawrence’s most dependable receiver.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) is challenged by Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) during the second half of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

It’s ‘very premature’ to discuss whether Travis Hunter will play both ways in 2026, Jags coach says

November 12, 2025

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen says it’s too early to discuss whether Travis Hunter will play on both sides of the ball in 2026. Hunter had season-ending surgery this week to repair a ligament in his right knee and is expected to return to the football field within six months. Coen declined to commit to Hunter playing receiver and cornerback in 2026. He says “all of that is very premature” and adds Hunter will be evaluated at the end of the season like everyone else. Hunter was coming off a career performance in London before his injury, and the Jaguars were planning to use him as their No. 1 receiver moving forward.

Jaguars’ Travis Hunter has season-ending knee surgery but is expected back for start of next season

November 11, 2025

Jacksonville Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter had season-ending surgery to repair the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and is expected to return to the football field within six months. The team says there was no additional damage to Hunter’s knee, which he injured during a non-contact drill in practice last month. Hunter was coming off a career performance in London before his injury. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, and the Jaguars were planning to use him as their No. 1 receiver moving forward.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) runs the ball under pressure from Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Jaguars and Browns trade starting cornerbacks, AP source says

October 8, 2025

A person familiar with negotiations says Jacksonville and Cleveland have swapped starting cornerbacks, with Tyson Campbell going to the Browns and Greg Newsome heading to the Jaguars. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been formally announced. ESPN and NFL Network first reported the swap. The teams also exchanged late-round draft picks in 2026, with Jacksonville getting a sixth-rounder from Cleveland and the Browns getting a seventh-rounder from the Jaguars.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Jaguars counting on more heart-pounding plays than head-scratching ones from QB Trevor Lawrence

October 7, 2025

It must be somewhat maddening to coach Trevor Lawrence. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback makes head-scratching decisions one minute and then makes plays like he did to close out a 31-28 victory against Kansas City. Lawrence had two of the best throws of his five-year NFL career in the final minute against the Chiefs. He threw an absolute dime to Brian Thomas Jr. followed by a bull’s-eye to Dyami Brown on the other side of the field. Those set up Lawrence’s crazy TD scramble that had a packed stadium, both teams and millions more watching from home wondering what they just witnessed.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) gets past Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) as he runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Mistake-prone Chiefs blame themselves for crushing loss at Jaguars

October 6, 2025

Kansas City won’t have to dig deep to figure out where things were awry in Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes had an interception returned 99 yards for a touchdown and the Chiefs were flagged 13 times for 109 yards in a 31-28 loss to the Jaguars. Four of those penalties came in the final 1:45. The mounting mistakes proved to be the difference in a back-and-forth game, the fifth one of the NFL’s Week 5 decided in the final 30 seconds. Chiefs coach Andy Reid says “it’s the score that matters, and we’ve got to take care of business there.”

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Trevor Lawrence’s wild run lifts the Jaguars to a 31-28 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs

October 6, 2025

Trevor Lawrence tripped, got up and scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown with 23 seconds remaining, and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Kansas City 31-28. The crazy ending halted the Jags’ eight-game losing streak to the Chiefs. Lawrence ran for two touchdowns on the night and also threw for a score, helping balance a performance that included two turnovers. But he was nearly perfect when it mattered most for the Jaguars. Devin Lloyd returned an interception 99 yards for a score for Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes accounted for two touchdowns and Kareem Hunt ran for two scores for the Chiefs.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) reacts after intercepting a pass by Houston Texans quarterback CJ. Stroud, not visible, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Jaguars insist MNF matchup with the Chiefs is ‘about us’ and not the 3-time defending AFC champs

October 2, 2025

For Kansas City, it’s just another prime-time game. For Jacksonville, it’s a chance for a statement game. Although the Jaguars have lost eight in a row in the series, they are approaching their “Monday Night Football” matchup against the three-time defending AFC champion Chiefs with a “who cares about the past” mentality. New team. New year. New outlook. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen says “it’s not about the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s not about Patrick Mahomes. It’s about us.” Jacksonville has a growing belief that the franchise’s latest rebuild is sustainable and beating the Chiefs could change the narrative for a floundering franchise.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

A hundred snaps for Travis Hunter? The Jaguars see no ceiling on the rookie’s contributions

September 20, 2025

No one should be surprised to see two-way star Travis Hunter play close to a hundred snaps against Houston on Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars just might need it. With receiver Brian Thomas Jr. struggling and dealing with a sore wrist, and cornerback Jarrian Jones recovering from back tightness, the Jaguars may ask the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner to do even more against the Texans. The team’s Mr. Everything played a whopping 85 snaps — 42 on offense and 43 on defense — in a 31-27 loss at Cincinnati last week. He was merely ramping up after missing the final two weeks during training camp with a shoulder injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

FanDuel agrees to pay Jaguars roughly $5M to offset losses from ex-employee’s theft, AP source says

September 12, 2025

A person familiar with discussions says FanDuel has agreed to pay the Jacksonville Jaguars roughly $5 million to help offset the nearly $20 million that a former employee stole from the NFL franchise and deposited at the sportsbook. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because neither side had disclosed the agreement publicly. ESPN first reported the deal, which was finalized earlier this year. It came a year after financial manager Amit Patel pleaded guilty to stealing $22 million through a virtual credit card system the team used for expenses. Patel is serving a 6 1/2 year sentence in federal prison. He sued FanDuel last year.

Florida defensive lineman Brendan Bett (90) celebrates a tackle against LIU Brooklyn during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Alan Youngblood)

Florida’s Brendan Bett says spitting at opponent was ‘a terrible mistake’ that ‘won’t happen again’

September 8, 2025

Florida defensive lineman Brendan Bett publicly apologized for spitting at South Florida offensive lineman Cole Skinner and says “there is no excuse for my actions.” Bett also apologized to his teammates earlier in the day. Coach Billy Napier says the now-unranked Gators have yet to decide whether Bett will be suspended for Saturday night’s game at No. 3 LSU. Bett was ejected during the final drive against USF on Saturday, a 15-yard penalty that helped propel the Bulls to a stunning victory. It was one of two penalties assessed against the Gators during an 87-yard drive that set up Nico Gramatica’s 20-yard field goal on the final play.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) signs greets fans after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter believes he ‘can do more and can do better’ after NFL debut

September 7, 2025

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter played offense and defense in his debut. He saw action on both sides of the ball in the team’s 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He played primarily on offense — he was on the field for 44 of 63 snaps — and chipped in six defensive snaps. He says, “I know I can do more and I know I can do better.” The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner at Colorado, Hunter finished with six receptions for 33 yards. Coach Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence say Hunter made no mistakes on any of his plays.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) is forced out of bounds by New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker (33) and cornerback Quincy Riley in the first half of an NFL preseason football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Etienne brothers will square off on opposite teams for the 1st time since childhood

September 2, 2025

Travis and Trevor Etienne are brothers born 5 1/2 years apart in Louisiana. Mostly because of their age difference, they never played competitive football on opposite teams. Until now. The running backs will square off for the first time at any level when Travis and the Jacksonville Jaguars host Trevor and the Carolina Panthers during the NFL’s opening weekend. Travis is entering the final year of his rookie contract, making this essentially the first of many auditions before free agency in March. Trevor, meanwhile, is beginning his rookie season after Carolina drafted him in the fourth round in April. They form the NFL’s newest brotherly rivalry.

FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter makes a reception during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

Jaguars rookie and new father Travis Hunter is ‘rolling full speed’ toward season opener

August 27, 2025

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone says two-way star and new father Travis Hunter is “rolling full speed” after missing the final two games of the preseason with an upper-body injury. Gladstone says the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and the second pick in the NFL draft in April is good to go for the season opener against Carolina. The Jaguars have been taking a cautious approach with Hunter. He was injured during a scrimmage two weeks ago and sat out exhibitions against New Orleans and Miami. He posted a video titled “Dear Son” late Wednesday announcing the birth of his first child with wife Leanna Hunter.

Jaguars acquire receiver Tim Patrick from Lions for a sixth-round draft pick in 2026

August 27, 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars are acquiring wide receiver Tim Patrick from Detroit for a sixth-round draft pick in 2026. The 31-year-old Patrick just needs to pass a physical for it to be official. Patrick missed all of 2022 and 2023 because of injuries but bounced back last season. He played 16 games for the Lions and finished with 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns. The Jaguars expect him to become their No. 5 receiver. They had been looking for a bigger receiver who could block on the perimeter and play special teams. Jacksonville waived receiver Austin Trammell to make room for Patrick on its roster.

Jacksonville Jaguars center Luke Fortner performs a drill during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Saints trade DT Saunders to Jaguars for C Fortner following preseason game, AP sources say

August 17, 2025

Two people familiar with negotiations say two-time Super Bowl champion defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is being traded from New Orleans to Jacksonville for center Luke Fortner. The swap comes hours after the teams played a preseason game at the Superdome. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity and said the trade will become official once both players pass physicals. Saunders started 27 games for the Saints over the last two seasons after a four-year stint in Kansas City that included two championships. He became expendable in New Orleans after the Saints switched to a 3-4 defense.

Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Cam Little (39) celebrates a field goal during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Jaguars’ Cam Little hits a 70-yard field goal in an exhibition game against the Steelers

August 9, 2025

Jacksonville’s Cam Little made a 70-yard field goal to end the first half against Pittsburgh on Saturday night, a kick that would have broken the NFL record had it happened during the regular season. Little and the Jaguars celebrated widely as the half ended with the Steelers leading 14-9. Rookie sensation Travis Hunter was one of the first to greet him on the field, body-bumped each other in midair. Baltimore’s Justin Tucker holds the NFL mark, having made a 66-yarder at Detroit in 2021.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) smiles at photographers as he warms up during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Jaguars to play starters, including rookie Travis Hunter, in preseason opener against the Steelers

August 7, 2025

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter will make his professional debut playing both sides of the ball. Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen says Hunter and most of the team’s other starters will play in their preseason opener against Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Coen says quarterback Trevor Lawrence, center Robert Hainsey and others expressed a desire to get some repetitions in the preseason. Lawrence hasn’t taken a snap in a live-ball situation since sustaining a concussion against Houston in early December; he had season-ending shoulder surgery soon thereafter. All eyes will be on Lawrence and Hunter.

FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Dec. 8, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)

Jaguars DE Josh Hines-Allen says his 7-year-old son Wesley is recovering from leukemia

July 25, 2025

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen says his 7-year-old son is recovering from cancer. Hines-Allen and his wife provided the news in a three-minute video released on social media. They said the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia came after Wesley spiked a fever and started bleeding from a tooth days before last year’s season finale, which Hines-Allen missed for personal reasons. Wesley underwent chemotherapy for six months. Hines-Allen and his wife also announced that their nonprofit foundation, Four One For All, will launch a season-long campaign to give back to four cancer-focused non-profits.

MARK LONG Pro Football Writer.