JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars on Friday practiced at the Miller Electric Center.
The Jaguars (12-4) will play the Tennessee Titans (3-13) at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Sunday in a 2025 Week 18 game. A look at Friday around the Jaguars – with Head Coach Liam Coen speaking to the media for the final time before Sunday:
The Jaguars on Friday released the third of three injury reports for the week, with starting right guard Patrick Mekari ruled out after missing practice for a third consecutive day with a back injury. Mekari missed a victory over the Indianapolis Colts last week with the injury.
Walker Little, the Jaguars' starting left tackle in the first 12 games of the season, started for Mekari against the Colts.
Rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten was among multiple Jaguars players listed as practicing full Friday. He is expected to be available Sunday after missing two consecutive games with a finger injury.
Nine Jaguars were listed without game status Friday, meaning they are expected to be available to play Sunday: Tuten, starting left guard Ezra Cleveland (shoulder), starting right tackle Anton Harrison (illness), starting center Robert Hainsey (groin), starting defensive tackle Arik Armstead (hand), defensive end Danny Striggow (ankle), linebacker Yasir Abdullah (back), starting cornerback Montaric Brown (neck) and starting cornerback Greg Newsome II (shoulder).
Hainsey missed the victory over the Colts and Striggow missed the last two games.
Rookie linebacker Jalen McLeon (ankle) was ruled out Friday. The Jaguars opened McLeod's 21-day window to return from injured reserve two weeks ago.
Defensive end DaVon Hamilton remains critical to a Jaguars run defense that remains one of the strengths of a strong unit.
Hamilton, a third-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft, has played at a high level throughout much of this season. He has 32 tackles, 12 solo, with three tackles for loss and a sack for a defense that leads the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed with 86.1 per game.
Coen on Friday called Hamilton a "pro's pro."
"Doesn't say a whole ton; when he does speak guys, listen," Coen said. "He's just very unselfish, fits very well within [Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile]'s scheme and what they ask him to do. He has made others around him so much better. You look at the production our linebackers have been able to have because of his unselfishness and the way that he's made plays, just defeating blocks, getting off double teams, pushing the pocket.
"Those are all things that when you've got a nose [tackle] that can demand double teams and demand respect inside. He's a huge reason why our defense is leading the National Football League against the rush."
Next Up in the 'Bank
The Jaguars host the Tennessee Titans in Week 18 at EverBank Stadium. The team will close out the regular season in their Prowler throwback uniforms.
Coen on Friday discussed the late-season development of wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas, who set franchise rookie records in 2024 with 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, has 15 receptions for 215 yards and a touchdown in five games since returning from an ankle injury that kept him out Weeks 10-12. He has 45 receptions for 658 yards and two touchdowns this season.
"He made a few big catches on corner routes last week," Coen said. "We need to continue to get him involved. The more you get the defense to have to defend every blade of grass, that's when your offense can truly be as explosive as it needs to be.
"When you have a guy who can do that and who can score quick, that's the big respect avenue. He can do that to you. We're gaining more and more confidence with that group in the pass game. Excited about having those guys continuing to evolve."
