Both teams have intriguing options as their primary backups. For the Jaguars, Quinn Ewers is listed as Lawrence’s primary backup on the depth chart, while Davis Mills fills that role for Stroud and the Texans.

As for the emergency QB role, if needed, both teams have options on their practice squads, although none are listed on the official depth chart. Jacksonville has Nick Mullens and Joey Aguilar, while the Texans have Mark Gronowski.

Lawrence’s outstanding season so far

Trevor Lawrence is having a stellar start to the 2026 season, leading the Jaguars to an impressive 4–1 record through five games. He’s operating with incredible efficiency, completing 67.1% of his passes (96 of 143) for 1,174 yards, 10 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions.

Averaging 8.2 yards per attempt with a sharp 106.8 passer rating, “Sunshine” is taking care of the football and making big-time throws when it counts—highlighted by a explosive 4-TD game in Week 1 and a clutch 331-yard performance to edge out the Eagles.

CJ Stroud is starting to regain his form

C.J. Stroud has bounce backed in a big way to start the 2026 season. Through five games, he’s stacked up 1,402 passing yards (ranking top-5 in the NFL) with a 64.3% completion rate, 6 passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions for a clean 98.1 passer rating. Even with Houston off to a tough 1–4 start, Stroud has elevated the offense by playing hyper-efficient, disciplined football—sharpening his pre-snap reads, protecting the ball, and consistently pushing deep downfield with an aggressive 10.6 average depth of target.

He’s also using his legs to extend plays and scramble for key first downs, single-handedly keeping the Texans competitive in close games and proving he can carry the unit when needed.

Key takeaways

• Jacksonville and Houston play at Wembley Stadium in London for NFL Week 6.
• Trevor Lawrence leads the Jaguars to a 4–1 record with 1,174 passing yards.
• C.J. Stroud has stacked up 1,402 passing yards and zero interceptions for Houston.

What about the backups for both teams? In Jacksonville, the main alternative to Lawrence is Quinn Ewers. In Philadelphia, however, things have changed recently after the Eagles made a drastic decision to cut Andy Dalton, making Tanner McKee the team’s new backup quarterback.

Sirianni also has an emergency quarterback option if needed: Cole Payton. Undoubtedly, both Jacksonville and Philadelphia appear to be well-covered at the quarterback position.

Lawrence’s outstanding season so far

Trevor Lawrence has been off to a solid, highly efficient start for the Jaguars in 2026. Through four games, he’s racked up 843 passing yards and 8 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions, completing 72 of his 104 pass attempts (a super clean 69.2% completion rate).

He set the tone right out of the gate in Week 1 with a huge 4-touchdown performance against Cleveland Browns, and he kept the momentum going in Week 4, slinging 227 yards and a touchdown while completing over 78% of his throws in a 22–17 win over Cincinnati Bengals. He’s also added 34 rushing yards on 11 carries to keep defenses honest, looking sharp, in control, and taking care of the football.

Hurts still struggling to find consistency

Through the first four games of the 2026 season, Jalen Hurts has had a bit of an up-and-down stretch as the Eagles sit at 2–2. Stat-wise, he’s thrown for 713 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, completing 68 of 114 attempts (59.6%) alongside 105 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. While he flashed his high ceiling with a sharp 3-TD performance against Washington in Week 1, he’s clearly far from hitting his stride.

The offense has felt clunky at times, highlighted by a rough 93-yard outing against the Rams and taking 12 sacks overall. It’s safe to say Hurts hasn’t quite locked into his elite, MVP-caliber form yet, but there’s still plenty of football left for him and Philly to find that rhythm.

Key takeaways

• Jacksonville and Philadelphia will face off in London during NFL Week 5.
• Trevor Lawrence has recorded 843 passing yards and 8 touchdowns over four games.
• Jalen Hurts has thrown for 713 passing yards and 7 touchdowns as Philly sits at 2-2.

Per Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, starters will get some action. Trevor Lawrence and others will get “a couple drives, potentially” against the Panthers. While that might be less than a quarter, at least Lawrence and company will get a football feel out of the game.

“You set a schedule, and timing and circumstances, things change and you have to pivot a little bit… I think we need a little bit more padded work against each other, good on good,” Coen said.

Will Bryce Young play for Panthers vs Jaguars?

It’s expected that Bryce Young plays for the Panthers vs Jaguars on a snap count as well, alongside other starters. Dave Canales saw Young and Offensive Rookie of the Year wideout Tet McMillan shine vs Jaguars in joint practice, so he might want to keep that momentum rolling.

It also looks like the offense might be taking another approach. As McMillan said, “We gotta stop trying to be cute.” And that is true, the Panthers don’t have a reputation for being an aggressive offense, though a change of pace could serve them well.

Both quarterbacks have pressure on their shoulders

Trevor Lawrence has had two great years in the NFL and a lot of bad ones. The Jags know both the highs and lows of Lawrence, and still plaid him. However, Lawrence needs to prove that he can sustain the level he showed last year in a consistent basis.

Meanwhile, Bryce Young is playing to remain as the Panthers QB1, as he is in his fourth year, but if he wants to get a huge extension, he must deliver and guide the Panthers into the NFL playoffs once again.

“So that’s the goal right now, is to look at potentially playing [Lawrence] a little Friday night,” the head coach said to the reporters. “You just look at the amount of padded days that we actually have left until the game week and it’s very few and far between. So, you set a schedule, you set it, and you’re like, well, timing and circumstances, things change and when you have to pivot a little bit.

“I think we need a little bit more work in terms of coming off of the Saints joint [practice] and the Saints game, I think we just need a little bit more padded work against each other, good on good.”

Once again, Trevor Lawrence will be the one leading the Jaguars, as the team looks to return to the top of the AFC South. Duval is putting their faith in their quarterback to lead the franchise to the next Super Bowl.

Travis Hunter is back on track

Versatile Travis Hunter wants to be at 100% for Liam Coen from Week 1, and his latest practice was a clear sign of that. He took the majority of his snaps on the defensive side of the ball, something he said was beneficial for him.

“It was definitely beneficial. I needed to knock the rust off, like I said earlier. I’ve got to get better somehow, somewhere,” Hunter said after practice. “So, I definitely took my time to hone in on one today and that was defense. Get better, get my feet up under me. Can’t let anybody catch the ball, so that’s my motto right now, just continue to focus and get better.”

What’s next for the Jaguars

Following their matchup against Carolina, Lawrence and his Jaguars will close out their preseason slate at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 28. This final tune-up at EverBank Stadium will serve as the last opportunity to iron out the roster and finalize depth charts before transition into full regular-season mode.

Just over two weeks later, Jacksonville officially kicks off its 2026 campaign right back on home turf, welcoming the Cleveland Browns for their Week 1 opener on September 13.

After Thursday’s joint practice, head coach Liam Coen confirmed that Trevor Lawrence will not play vs. Saints as they open their preseason schedule. Not only Lawrence, but many Jaguars’ starters will sit out this game.

Hence, Nick Mullens is likely to start against the Saints, with Carter Bradley and Joey Aguilar also seeing some snaps too. Pretty much anyone but Lawrence can see action under center.

Is Tyler Shough playing for Saints vs Jaguars?

Tyler Shough earned his spot as the Saints’ QB1 last year, ending it hot. Hence, he will also be rested vs. Jaguars. The Saints are likely to deploy Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson to play against Jacksonville.

Rattler was a short-term starter before Shough took the job from him. As for Zach Wilson, he was a former second overall pick whose career didn’t pan out as planned. Now, he is looking for redemption.

Liam Coen has a tough task for the Jaguars in 2026

Coen had a great first season as the Jaguars’ head coach. However, he now has to keep Lawrence in good form, make Travis Hunter a worthy second overall pick, rescue Brian Thomas Jr. as a top wideout, keep developing WR Parker Washington and keep the winning ways all at once.

According to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated, “I have Washington at a three-year deal worth $55 million with $25 million in guarantees.” Shipley used Rashad Shaheed and Jayden Reed as reference for the deal Washington could sign.

However, Shipley saw those deals as the floor. “I have Washington getting a bit more than both of them,” he said. While the Jaguars have a deep wideout corp, Washington was one of the brightest spots on the roster. Trevor Lawrence trusted him blindly.

Jaguars updated WR depth chart

The Jaguars don’t have a very defined WR1. It was supposedly Brian Thomas Jr., but he hit a huge sophomore slump. Then they traded for Jakobi Meyers, who was a massive addition, but only played half a season. Hence, Parker Washington was the most consistent wideout. The team also has Travis Hunter, Josh Cameron, CJ Williams, and Tim Jones on the roster.

Names like Chandler Brayboy and Austin Trammell play a minimized role as well, but they got special teams snaps. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars love to spread the ball. Hence, they’ve got depth.

Parker Washington had a stellar season in 2025

This was Washington’s third year in the NFL, but it was surely the breakout season that can provide him with a huge bag. He had 58 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns. He led the Jaguars in receiving yards.

The Jaguars are fresh off a 13-4 season and are getting really pumped after Liam Coen’s first season as head coach. He not only restored Trevor Lawrence’s stock, but the team looked like a contender for many weeks.

Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday, Coen lauded Lawrence’s “toughness and humility,” noting that the quarterback’s durability throughout a grueling 17-game season was a major factor in Jacksonville’s AFC South title run.

“Four new systems, multiple different head coach situations, OCs, whatever it is,” Coen said. “Go throughout the season, and you find out, I mean, doesn’t miss a single practice, doesn’t miss a single throw in practice, played the whole season. MVP finalist, Comeback Player of the Year finalist, did some great things. There is so much room to continue to improve, and I think that’s what we’re excited about attacking.”

A stabilized foundation in Jacksonville

When Liam Coen joined the Jaguars in early 2025, he inherited a franchise that had struggled to find stability. The team had endured frequent coaching turnover, and the roster lacked the continuity and elite weaponry necessary to elevate Lawrence to the next level.

The landscape in Jacksonville has since shifted dramatically. Lawrence now benefits from a formidable supporting cast, including Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Mayers, and the versatile sensation Travis Hunter. This improved arsenal helped the Jaguars secure their third AFC South title and established the offense as one of the most explosive units in the conference.

Coen emphasized that his continued presence provides Lawrence with the rare luxury of system continuity, sparing him from the “relearning” process that hampered his early career. However, the path ahead remains difficult; the AFC South is arguably the most competitive it has been in years, with both the Colts and Texans coming off strong 2025 campaigns.

The cost of franchise success

The Jaguars’ commitment to Lawrence is reflected in the massive five-year, $275 million contract extension he signed in 2024. Although he dealt with a left shoulder AC joint sprain and a concussion during the initial year of that deal, his resilient and impressive 2025 campaign silenced any doubts regarding the investment.

With $200 million in total guarantees and an average annual salary of $55 million, the expectations for Lawrence are at an all-time high. The ultimate question remains: Can he lead the Jaguars to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history?

At that time, the ceremony was held in Cleveland, and Lawrence chose to experience it in a more intimate setting, with his family and close ones in Clemson. The Jaguars were ultimately the team that selected him.

Mendoza seems to be taking the same path as his counterpart. He decided to enjoy this moment in Miami, as reported by journalist Adam Schefter, instead of traveling to Pittsburgh.

Other major absences in the Draft

While many top prospects enjoy the spotlight on stage, several elite quarterbacks have notably skipped the NFL Draft ceremony. Andrew Luck declined his 2012 invitation to focus on his final exams at Stanford.

Additionally, Joe Burrow received the news of his first-overall selection from his childhood home in Ohio, due to the pandemic.

When and where will the Draft be?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 25 in Pittsburgh. The city is preparing to host the event across the North Shore and Point State Park, marking the first time the Steel City has welcomed the league’s premier offseason event. With the draft less than three weeks away, fans are eager to see where the next generation of stars will land.

First 10 picks

• 1 – Las Vegas Raiders
• 2 – New York Jets
• 3 – Arizona Cardinals
• 4 – Tennessee Titans
• 5 – New York Giants
• 6 – Cleveland Browns
• 7 – Washington Commanders
• 8 – New Orleans Saints
• 9 – Kansas City Chiefs
• 10 – Cincinnati Bengals

Jake Bobo is a restricted free agent, which means that the Seahawks have the opportunity to match the Jaguars offer (unknown at the moment) to keep him on the roster. They have five days to match it.

If Seattle decides to match it, it’s the same terms that the Jaguars offer. Bobo is a very good receiver, though it has been underutilized by the Seahawks so far in his career. Still, he is a very talented receiver that could thrive with Trevor Lawrence as quarterback.

Bobo came from nothing

Bobo was an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2023 and stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 207 pounds. He is also a big-time blocker on offense. Bobo is great in the red zone, and that’s why the Jaguars are looking into him.

Bobo has played 45 games, catching 34 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns. He has quite a high potential, and Jacksonville might want to exploit those talents. Now it’s time to see if the Seahawks will allow him to leave.

The Jaguars have moved a lot of names

The Jaguars signed running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. but saw how Travis Etienne left the team. The tight ends also moved as Quintin Morris and Johnny Mundt also left the roster. However, the wide receiving corp is very good. They have Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter.

Etienne made the decision to leave the Jaguars after five seasons, embracing a new chapter of his NFL career. He headed to the New Orleans Saints after they signed him to a four-year deal worth up to $52 million, boosting the Saints’ RB depth chart—which already includes Alvin Kamara.

Lawrence shared his thoughts on the news through social media, as NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed. “We’ve come a long way!! Going to miss you man. Been a hell of an 8 year run. Best is yet to come,” Lawrence wrote.

Lawrence and Etienne were teammates throughout their entire college careers at Clemson Tigers football from 2018 to 2020 before entering the NFL in 2021. They later played together as full-time starters for four straight seasons, helping the Jaguars reach the playoffs twice during that span. Both players emerged as key figures during those years, developing strong chemistry as an offensive duo.

The Lawrence and Etienne duo

Etienne leaves behind a significant gap in the Jaguars’ running back unit after serving as the full-time starter from 2021 to 2025. This past season, he started in all but one game, recording 260 rushes for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns, while also adding 36 receptions for 292 yards and six touchdowns.

Jacksonville finished the 2025 NFL season with a 12-5 record, winning the AFC South Division title. The Jaguars finished ahead of the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. In the AFC standings, they placed third, finishing ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Texans, while sitting behind the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos.

The front office moved quickly to put together the most competitive roster possible, securing a key weapon for their star QB ahead of what’s to come. It seems Liam Coen has reason to be optimistic.

Insider Jordan Schultz, via his X account, announced this interesting move in Duval: The Jaguars are re-signing TE Quintin Morris to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million.

This move gives Jacksonville a very intriguing tight end group heading into the 2026 season. In addition to Morris, the roster includes Brenton Strange, Johnny Mundt, and Hunter Long.

Surrounding Lawrence in the best way possible

As we approach the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars are laser-focused on fortifying the roster around Trevor Lawrence to maximize his championship window. A critical component of this plan is the return of dual-threat sensation Travis Hunter, whose recovery from a late-2025 knee injury is reportedly on track for him to resume full football activities by May.

While the team has already taken a steadying step by securing reliable tight end Quintin Morris through a contract extension, a major question mark remains in the backfield. The Jaguars are working to prevent star running back Travis Etienne Jr. from hitting the open market, as his departure would leave a significant void in their high-octane offense.

With the draft looming, the front office is expected to use their capital—including a key second-round pick—to ensure Lawrence has the elite protection and versatile weaponry needed to keep Jacksonville at the top of the AFC South.