JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Anita from Springfield

Can you see them keeping five running backs and three tight ends and using some of those running backs in typical fullback roles? If they really like those guys, they can use them in pass pro and creative two-back sets, while using extra linemen for any extra blocking. Just a thought since I keep hearing about the running backs.

This is developing into a major storyline as Jaguars 2025 Training Camp continues – and as Saturday's 2025 preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Stadium draws nigh. The running-back room of Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne Jr., Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen and Ja'Quinden Jackson has impressed in camp – and the room is thought to be strong and deep enough that the team may very much want to keep all five players. Because it can sometimes be tough to keep even four running backs on a 53-man roster, that creates what old-school football people call a "dilemma." Your thoughts of using one or more of the backs in fullback roles probably wouldn't work because none of the Jaguars' five are traditional "blocking" fullbacks. But I absolutely can see Head Coach Liam Coen creatively using multiple-back sets, which he did while the offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. I also would expect creative use of tight ends and offensive linemen in fullback situations. Coen is a creative guy, after all.

Derek from Brookings, SD

I had some nostalgia as I watched the 2006 Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts game on YouTube. The one-two punch of Jaguars running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew was on full display that day with 375 yards rushing and both over 100 yards for the day. Watching the dominance of the Jaguars' running game that afternoon will be hard to replicate anymore, but here's hoping this upcoming season has glimpses of that awesome day in 2006. Glad to hear that the running game and offense as a whole is trending in a positive direction these first couple weeks of camp.

You're referencing the Jaguars' 44-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in December 2006, which indeed was a glorious day for the Jaguars and as dominant a running performance as you're likely to see. Ever. It indeed will be hard to replicate that day now, but the reality is it always has been hard to replicate such a performance. It was hard for the Jaguars to replicate that performance in that era, and they were as good a running team around that time as any in the NFL. The good news is the Jaguars don't have to replicate that performance to be a good running team and they don't have to replicate it to be a good team. They just have to get better as a rushing team and be better in short-yardage situations. That's the first step. There are signs the Jaguars are taking that step. Stay tuned.

Carol from Section 36, East Club

Perhaps the sponsors should consider giving away little replica back braces at the Steelers game Saturday. Either that or Ramsey voodoo dolls (I know, that's not nice, but damn...)

As your email suggests – or at least sort of references – it remains important here in the O-Zone to be nice. This idea would not be nice. At all.

Woofie from Ft Knox Ky

My football playing days are ancient history. So my knowledge of modern-day equipment is limited. Do corners and wide receivers wear different pads and such? If so, which does our illustrious unicorn #12 wear?

Cornerbacks and safeties typically wear smaller and lighter pads than other positions, though players at the positions – being of similar body type --- typically wear pads of the same lightness. Rookie cornerback Travis Hunter – in practice at least – leans light.

Steve from Hilton Head, SC

John, Do the players interact with Mr. Boselli much? Do the younger players even know who he is?

Yes, current Jaguars players interact with Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli periodically. It has been nearly 25 years since the Jaguars' lone Pro Football Hall of Famer played in the NFL. I'm sure many current Jaguars players haven't heard of Boselli. And I'm sure some of them have heard of him. There are pictures of Boselli throughout the Miller Electric Center. And that is his name on the wall inside the stadium.

Steve from Nashville, TN

"Best – group of receivers in franchise history." What quad of receivers are they looking to knock off this lofty perch?

This is a fair question. There's indeed a thought that the Jaguars' top receivers – Brian Thomas Jr., Hunter, Dyami Brown and Parker Washington – may qualify as the best foursome in franchise history. It's also true that the foursome has yet to play a preseason game yet, so it is a premature thought and potentially a silly thought. And if it indeed is not a silly thought, the "perch" of best wide receiver foursome in franchise history indeed wouldn't be all that lofty. It might, in fact, be the 2022 foursome of Zay Jones, Christian Kirk, Marvin Jones and Even Engram – and it's notable that Engram was a tight end and not a receiver. The Jaguars' best receiving duo – Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell in the 1990s – was rarified air. The air surrounding the best foursome isn't nearly as rare.

Dan from Winston-Salem, NC via DeLand

What do coaches typically look for from bubble players in preseason games, especially this staff from this roster? Is a bad play or two enough to get cut or do coaches put more emphasis on other things like scheme fit, intangibles and playbook IQ? Individual football players get so few opportunities that I wonder how much weight is given to a play that they are directly responsible for, both good and bad, as opposed to the whole package. As a young staff building long-term, could a few bad plays be overlooked if they think a guy just needs more time to develop, or is there no time for that attitude on the 53?

NFL coaches and personnel people analyze many factors when building a roster. Game performance is usually paramount, but projections about how a player may develop also is a necessary part of building a roster over the long-term. Remember, too: While fans and observers understandably focus on the "final 53," the reality in the NFL these days is many players who don't make that magic "cut off" remain with the organization on the practice squad. Those practice-squad players often are elevated to the active roster throughout the season either by normal weekly elevation or because of injuries to active players. Either way, evaluation is a long game. Evaluators typically do everything possible not to judge a player solely on one or two plays – spectacular or awful – though human nature is such that a few mistakes in Preseason Week 3 could sway a really close call.

Andrew from Jacksonville

Is there any answer as to what exactly is going on with Maason Smith?

Jaguars defensive tackle Maason Smith is on the physically unable to perform list with an undisclosed injury. He has been working to the side with trainers daily and his injury is not thought to be long-term.

John from Jacksonville

Is the coach obligated to give full health updates on players? There's a fifty percent chance it will make fans unhappy and future opponents get free intel.

NFL teams must issue full injury reports Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the regular season. This is not a requirement in the preseason and training camp.

Travis from High Springs

I know this is kind of a wait and see how it all plays out question, just curious as to your opinion on it. Since Travis Hunter will be playing both ways, do you believe he'll play maybe around 50 percent of offensive snaps, with the coaches trying to scheme up a few splash plays a game for him? Or do you believe he will be more of a 1B to BTJ and play maybe 80 percent of offensive snaps and be a guy that gets seven or eight targets per game?

I don't know how long we must wait and see on this topic as the Jaguars have been pretty clear about this. Hunter will play extensively immediately on offense, is listed as a starter at wide receiver on the preseason depth chart, and he has practiced there more than he has practiced on defense. I don't expect his role to be limited at all to splash offensive plays, and I think he indeed will play upwards of 80 percent of snaps again. Nothing has happened thus far in camp to indicate otherwise. I think his role on defense initially will be more about playing on "get-off-the-field downs" – i.e., passing situations – but I think that will increase in time.

Tom from the Beach

I just started reading this forum. I'm not sure I like you much.

This is understandable. Not everyone has to like everything.