Jaguars Say COVID-19 Vaccine Status Didn't Factor into Releases amid Investigation
Sep 1, 2021
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 29: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on as the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of a NFL preseason football game at AT&T Stadium on August 29, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
In the wake of comments made by head coach Urban Meyer, the Jacksonville Jaguars have denied that players' COVID-19 vaccination status played a role in whether they made the 53-man roster.
Per a statement released Wednesday, the organization said, "Availability is one of the many factors taken into account when making roster decisions."
After Tuesday's deadline for teams to cut their rosters down to 53 players, Meyer told reporters that vaccination status was considered when determining who the Jaguars were going to keep.
"Everyone was considered," he said. "[Vaccination status] was part of the the production, 'Let's start talking about this, and also is he vaccinated or not?' Can I say that that was a decision-maker? It was certainly in consideration."
This first became an issue in May when Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said during a radio interview with One Bills Live that he would cut an unvaccinated player because it would give the team an advantage.
Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, the NFL offices contacted Beane to let him know that vaccination status can't be the only factor considered when deciding whether to release a player.
George Atallah, the assistant executive director for external affairs for the NFL Players Association, told ESPN's Michael DiRocco the union has opened an investigation into Meyer and the Jaguars.
The NFL and NFLPA agreed to COVID-19 protocols in June, which included relaxed rules for fully vaccinated individuals.
NFL Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills announced last week that roughly 93 percent of players and more than 99 percent of team staff members have been vaccinated.
Urban Meyer Says Vaccination Status Was Considered During Jaguars' Final Cuts
Aug 31, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer watches play against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer told reporters Tuesday that players' COVID-19 vaccination statuses were considered when the team was making cuts down to its 53-man roster.
"Everyone was considered," Meyer said, per ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "That was part of the [considerations, such as] production, let's start talking about this and also is he vaccinated or not? Can I say that that was a decision-maker? It was certainly in consideration."
The NFLPA will open an investigation into Urban Meyer's comments that players' vaccination status was considered in the Jaguars' roster decisions. The NFLPA's @GeorgeAtallah said: "This is a concern and we are going to look into it."
As DiRocco noted, there is a stark difference in the return protocols for vaccinated vs. unvaccinated players, with the latter group at risk of being out for longer.
Of note, unvaccinated players who test positive will miss at least 10 days before undergoing a three-day return-to-play protocol. Vaccinated players can return before the 10-day period if they receive two negative PCR test results separated by 24 hours.
Per DiRocco, Meyer said the team tried to educate players on the vaccine and encouraged them to receive it but that they could choose whether to get it.
Jacksonville announced its 53-man roster Tuesday, and Meyer spoke to the media. The 57-year-old is in his first season running an NFL team. He spent 17 seasons as a college head coach, which included three national championships.
The Jaguars will open the season Sept. 12 at the Houston Texans.
Sidney Jones Traded to Seahawks from Jaguars for Reported 2022 6th-Round Draft Pick
Aug 31, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Sidney Jones IV (21) runs sprints during an NFL football practice, Monday, June 14, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Jacksonville Jaguars confirmed Monday they traded cornerback Sidney Jones IV to the Seattle Seahawks.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jacksonville will receive a 2022 sixth-round draft pick.
The move sends Jones back to his old stomping ground. He played three years at Washington prior to getting selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2017 draft.
The 25-year-old made nine appearances for the Jaguars in 2020, finishing with 26 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions.
His trade appears to be mutually beneficial for Jacksonville and Seattle. His departure gets the Jags a little closer to their 53-man final roster ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. The Seahawks, meanwhile, addressed their secondary depth.
Already wrote #Seahawks likely to cut Tre Flowers. Now they are reportedly trading with the Jaguars to get ex #UWHuskies CB Sidney Jones.
Jones is set to earn 1/2 of Flowers' $2.1M for 2021. D.J. Reed likely still the starter. Now SEA adds an experienced back up at 1/2 the cost
Having said that, Jones may not make Seattle demonstrably better. He has four interceptions through four years and has yet to make more than 12 appearances in a single season.
The Seahawks defense suffered a big hit when Shaquill Griffin signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Jaguars.
His departure was a testament to the fact general manager John Schneider didn't have a ton of financial flexibility this offseason. Ahkello Witherspoon and Pierre Desir were the biggest outside additions, though the latter was recently released.
Seattle only had three draft picks as well, one of which they used on Oklahoma cornerback Tre Brown in the fourth round.
Collectively, all of that business may not inspire a ton of confidence within the fanbase.
Seattle's outside CB moves very interesting this offseason/preseason. Didn't give up the big bag for Shaquill Griffin, CB1 for 3 years. Signed Ahkello Witherspoon, drafted Tre Brown, converted Damarious Randall back to CB, traded for John Reid and now trading for Sidney Jones.
A sixth-rounder isn't a steep price to pay, and Jones counts for just $1.3 million against the salary cap. The Seahawks aren't out much if he fails to show much improvement from his time in Philadelphia and Jacksonville.
In the event that happens, though, Schneider might face questions about whether he did enough to fortify the secondary when the franchise is aiming for a Super Bowl.
Trevor Lawrence Shines, Throws 2 TDs in Jaguars' 34-14 Win vs. Cowboys
Aug 29, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence throws a pass during warmups before a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence saved his best preseason performance for last, throwing two touchdown passes in a 34-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft failed to lead a touchdown drive in either of his first two preseason appearances, but he looked great Sunday and rewarded head coach Urban Meyer's faith in him.
Meyer named Lawrence his starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season last week, and Lawrence's status was solidified Saturday when Jacksonville traded backup signal-caller Gardner Minshew to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who is working his way back from an ankle injury that cut his 2020 season short, was once again absent from Dallas' lineup and did not appear in any of the Cowboys' four preseason contests.
Jacksonville finished the preseason with a 1-2 record, while Dallas went 0-4.
Notable Stats
Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAX: 11/12 for 139 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT
James Robinson, RB, JAX: 3 CAR for 10 YDS, 1 REC for 2 YDS
Laviska Shenault, WR, JAX: 3 REC for 33 YDS, 1 TD
Garrett Gilbert, QB, DAL: 9/16 for 87 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT
Brenden Knox, RB, DAL: 11 CAR for 47 YDS, 3 REC for 7 YDS
Aaron Parker, WR, DAL: 2 REC for 29 YDS, 1 TD
Lawrence Appears Ready for First Regular-Season Start
Lawrence was widely regarded as one of the most complete quarterback prospects in years during the predraft process, and he showcased his skill set Sunday.
The former Clemson star was nearly perfect against the Cowboys, going 11-of-12 passing for 139 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in three drives.
Although Lawrence was without two of his top wide receivers in D.J. Chark and Marvin Jones, he came out of the gates firing, completing a 38-yard pass to Phillip Dorsett on the opening drive:
Shortly after that, Lawrence threw the first touchdown pass of his young NFL career, connecting with wideout Pharoh Cooper for an 18-yard scoring strike:
It can be argued that Lawrence wasn't as impressive as fellow rookie first-round quarterbacks Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones in his first two preseason games.
Part of the reason for that may have been the fact that Meyer limited his snaps in practice and games to work in Minshew before the latter was traded to Philadelphia.
Lawrence turned in one of the best performances by any quarterback in Week 3 of the preseason, however, as noted by Jamal St. Cyr of News4JAX:
Trevor Lawrence wrapped up his day with a 154.5 passer rating that gives him the 3rd highest rating in the NFL this week. pic.twitter.com/rALw0vWV7L
ESPN's Field Yates praised Lawrence's showing as well:
Even with all the usual preseason caveats in play, Trevor Lawrence looks dialed in today. Pinpoint accuracy, field vision and total control of the situation on most every snap.
Fun to see his growth already through just a few weeks. Exactly what Jaguars fans have hoped for.
Things figure to get much tougher for Lawrence during the regular season when he faces starting defensive players on a consistent basis, but his pure talent was obvious Sunday.
There may be some growing pains along the way, especially playing for a team that went just 1-15 last season, but the Jags seem positioned to be far more competitive in 2021 with Lawrence at the helm.
If nothing else, Lawrence showed Sunday why he should perhaps be considered the front-runner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
What's Next?
After both teams make their final cuts, the Jags will prepare for their regular-season opener on the road against the Houston Texans on Sept. 12, while the Cowboys will get ready to play in the first game of the regular season against the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 9.
Eagles, Jaguars' Updated Depth Charts After Gardner Minshew II Trade
Aug 28, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew walks on the field before an NFL preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly
acquired quarterback Gardner Minshew II from the Jacksonville Jaguars
on Saturday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the
2022 NFL draft.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the pick
could improve to a fifth-round selection if Minshew plays at least 50
percent of the snaps in three games for the Eagles in 2021.
Here's a look at the teams' updated
quarterback depth charts after the deal:
Eagles: Jalen Hurts, Joe Flacco,
Minshew (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
Don't be surprised if Flacco emerges as
a potential trade candidate after teams around the NFL start to deal
with quarterback injuries once the regular season gets underway.
Philadelphia should want to see what Hurts
can produce over an entire season after some promising moments as a
rookie in 2020, and Minshew is a more-than-capable backup who posted
rock-solid numbers across 20 starts as a member of the Jags.
The 25-year-old Washington State
product completed 62.9 percent of his throws for 5,530 yards with 37
touchdowns and just 11 interceptions in two seasons with
Jacksonville. He also added 497 rushing yards and one score on the
ground.
Minshew has lacked big-play ability—his longest completion across 327 attempts last year was 51 yards—but he's protected the football and led scoring drives at a modest
rate, which is about all a team can expect from a backup
signal-caller.
Flacco, who led the Baltimore Ravens to
the Super Bowl XLVII title at the end of the 2012 season, has never
lived up to that standard in the subsequent years, but he's a
battle-tested veteran who can quickly learn an offense. It makes him
a possible option for a team heading into the year without a
proven backup and suffers an injury to its starter.
It's also possible the Eagles could
flip Minshew in a trade in a similar scenario depending on the offers, especially if Hurts
takes steps toward establishing himself as a true franchise
quarterback early in the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars are all-in with
Lawrence after taking him with the first overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Jacksonville's overall talent level is
still a step below the majority of the league after going 1-15 last
year, and losing fellow rookie Travis Etienne Jr. to a season-ending
foot injury is a setback to the offense given the all-around
playmaking role he could have filled.
Lawrence is still surrounded by running
back James Robinson and the wide receiver triumvirate of D.J. Chark
Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr. and Marvin Jones Jr., so there's talent
around him, but some growing pains can be expected throughout his
rookie year.
Beathard, who owns a career 81.1 passer
rating through 19 appearances, will likely only see the field because
of injury or in blowout situations.
Both teams kick off the regular season
Sept. 12. The Eagles visit the Atlanta Falcons, while the Jags also
open on the road against the Houston Texans.
Trevor Lawrence Named Jaguars' Starting QB over Gardner Minshew for Week 1
Aug 25, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence prepares to throw a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Jaguars open their regular season Sept. 12 against the Houston Texans.
Lawrence was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft after an impressive three-year career at Clemson. He led the Tigers to a national championship as a freshman and finished second in voting for the Heisman Trophy in 2020 despite only playing in 10 games.
The 21-year-old finished his college career with 10,098 passing yards, 90 passing touchdowns and 18 rushing touchdowns across 40 games.
Beyond the numbers, the 6'6" passer has impressed scouts with his physical tools and potential to thrive at the next level. Bleacher Report's Scouting Department not only rated him the No. 1 player in the 2021 draft class but also graded him as a Hall of Fame talent.
Lawrence has showcased this ability early in his professional career with the Jaguars:
Trevor Lawrence looking sharp in his preseason debut 👀
The rookie went 6-of-9 for 71 passing yards in his first preseason start and followed it up with 113 yards on 14-of-23 passing in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
He earned the starting job over Minshew, who produced a 93.1 quarterback rating across 23 appearances (20 starts) in two seasons in Jacksonville. The 2019 sixth-round pick has 37 career touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
The Jaguars need to look to the future after finishing 1-15 last season. Lawrence will have a chance to prove himself on the field as a franchise quarterback while also seemingly getting the opportunity to learn through his mistakes.
He has an exciting group of skill players around him, including James Robinson, DJ Chark Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr. and Marvin Jones Jr.
Jaguars' Travis Etienne Jr. Placed on Season-Ending IR with Foot Injury
Aug 24, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 03:Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during training camp on August 3, 2021 at DreamFinders Homes Practice Complex in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a foot injury on Tuesday.
We have made the following roster moves:
Waived OL Derwin Gray, CB Jameson Houston, and DT Kenny Randall.
According to ESPN'sAdam Schefter, the rookie running back will undergo surgery to repair a mid-foot sprain.
Having already selected Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick, the Jaguars reunited Etienne with his Clemson teammate when they took him 25th overall in the 2021 NFL draft.
The 5'10" running back had a prolific college career, running for 4,952 yards and 70 touchdowns while catching 102 passes for 1,155 yards and eight scores. He was also the ACC Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
Etienne encountered a setback Monday during a preseason game when he suffered a midfoot sprain in Jacksonville's 23-21 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The Jaguars obviously had big plans for Etienne right out of the gate, because spending a first-rounder on a running back is no longer the norm. Not to mention, the team already has James Robinson, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2020, on the roster.
With Etienne out of action, Robinson figures to take on the role of a featured back.
Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Reportedly out Indefinitely with Foot Injury
Aug 24, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne catches a pass during an NFL football team practice, Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Etienne was spotted in a walking boot after the game, and his injury will require further testing.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Etienne was also on crutches after the game, and sources have indicated that he is dealing with a Lisfranc injury.
Rapoport noted that X-rays were negative, meaning he likely suffered a sprain, although the timetable for Etienne's return is unknown.
After selecting Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with this year's No. 1 overall pick, the Jags made the somewhat surprising decision to take his college teammate with the 25th selection.
One of the few bright spots during the Jaguars' 1-15 season in 2020 was the play of undrafted rookie running back James Robinson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 total touchdowns.
Even so, Jacksonville jumped at the opportunity to add one of the most productive running backs in college football history.
In his four seasons at Clemson, Etienne was a three-time All-ACC first-team selection, two-time consensus All-American, two-time ACC Offensive Player of the Year, two-time ACC Player of the Year and one-time College Football Playoff national champion.
He rushed for over 1,600 yards and scored more than 20 total touchdowns in each of the 2018 and 2019 campaigns before regressing statistically as a senior in 2020.
The fact that he played 12 games rather than the 15 he played in each of the previous two seasons had an impact, as did an emphasis on the passing game.
Still, the Jennings, Louisiana, native rushed for 914 yards and 14 touchdowns on 168 carries, and he set career highs with 48 receptions for 588 yards while also scoring two more times.
In Etienne, the Jaguars added a dynamic, versatile running back who can impact the game in myriad ways, making him an ideal complement to Robinson.
If the rookie is forced to miss regular-season time, Robinson will resume his role as the unquestioned lead back, while veteran Carlos Hyde and pass-catching back Dare Ogunbowale will likely see an increase in playing time as well.
Jaguars' Urban Meyer Calls Gardner Minshew 'A Warrior' amid Trevor Lawrence Battle
Aug 23, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer continues to be impressed by Gardner Minshew amid the quarterback battle with 2021 No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence.
"Well, Minshew’s not giving it up," Meyer said, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
The coach is yet to name a Week 1 starting quarterback and insisted the battle is genuine. Lawrence comes in with plenty of hype, but Minshew has displayed his strengths during practices.
"He’s a much different player than Trevor," Meyer said of Minshew. "Trevor’s a down-the-field passer, this guy’s a scramble-around, make-plays guy, but I’ll tell you what he really is, he’s a warrior. And I appreciate warriors. It’s a street fight right now."
The Jaguars have their second preseason game Sunday night against the New Orleans Saints, which could be an important test for both players.
Lawrence was the better player during Week 1 of the preseason, finishing with 71 passing yards on 6-of-9 passing in a loss to the Cleveland Browns. Minshew finished 4-of-8 for 47 yards with an interception.
The past two seasons still showed Minshew can be a reliable quarterback, totaling 37 touchdowns with 11 interceptions across 23 appearances. The 2019 sixth-round draft pick beat out high-priced free-agent signing Nick Foles for a starting job as a rookie and has continued to produce despite overall team struggles.
The 25-year-old will now try to stay on top of the depth chart despite the presence of one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in years.
Meyer is providing plenty of chances for the quarterbacks to prove themselves, giving each player first-team reps in practices. The coach recently said the competition could last until the third preseason game, per Michael DiRocco of ESPN.
"It's a battle," Meyer told Breer. "I see the stats every day, and the greatest thing that can happen is that it becomes a street fight for as long as possible."
Trevor Lawrence Hasn't Earned Jags' Starting QB Job over Minshew Yet, Meyer Says
Aug 20, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence looks for a receiver against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Trevor Lawrence might have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, but he won't have a starting job handed to him with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Lawrence is looking to win a quarterback battle with Gardner Minshew, but head coach Urban Meyer said Friday that "hasn’t happened yet."
The two quarterbacks will continue to split first-team reps until a starter is named.
"As soon as that happens then you give him [the starter] the 1 reps, all 1 reps," Meyer added.
The Jaguars are preparing for their second preseason game on Monday against the New Orleans Saints. Lawrence certainly outplayed his counterpart in the first game, totaling 71 passing yards on 6-of-9 passing against the Cleveland Browns.
Minshew was limited to 4-of-8 for 47 yards and an interception.
Lawrence enters his NFL career with a lot of hype after totaling 90 passing touchdowns and 18 rushing touchdowns during his three seasons at Clemson. He finished second in voting for the Heisman Trophy last season after throwing 24 touchdown passes with just five interceptions in 10 games.
The 21-year-old could represent a new era for Jacksonville as he looks to help turn things around after a 1-15 season.
Minshew, 25, still has a quality claim for the starting role after throwing 37 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions during his first two years in the NFL. With 20 combined starts in 2019 and 2020, he could provide stability for the Jaguars early in the season.
Lawrence will undoubtedly get his shot at some point, but Meyer will keep the competition alive for at least a little longer.
