Jaguars Coaching Staff Discusses Preseason Role of Veteran Defender
Jacksonville Jaguars coaches have shared the reasons behind veteran defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris receiving more snaps in the preseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris has been a key component of the team’s defense since joining the organization in 2021, and that role is expected to continue this year, despite some changes in his preseason usage.
Through the first two preseason games, Robertson-Harris has participated in 26 snaps. This is slightly different from last year when he did not play in the second preseason game and saw just 25 snaps in total during the 2023 preseason. While Robertson-Harris was not among the 22 players who sat out the second preseason game, his usage has prompted questions from fans and analysts.
Head coach Doug Pederson addressed these concerns, explaining that Robertson-Harris’ limited preseason action is partly due to his recovery from a lower body injury sustained in the spring. “Roy’s been doing a really good job. He missed a lot of spring due to his injury, so he’s still catching up on the techniques and details of the defense,” Pederson said. “He’s been great and will be a significant player for us, continuing to develop within the defense. Consistency from Roy and the rest of the team is key, and he remains a crucial part of our interior line.”
Robertson-Harris is anticipated to play a vital role in the Jaguars’ defensive tackle rotation, alongside Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, and rookie Maason Smith. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen praised Robertson-Harris for his performance, highlighting his physicality and athleticism. “He’s big, strong, and physical, and he’s an excellent pass rusher. His athleticism is impressive, and there was a play in practice where he showed remarkable speed,” Nielsen said.
Nielsen also emphasized that the preseason snap count is part of the process of preparing players for the regular season. “Our goal is to get everyone into the games and not to read too much into the number of snaps played. It’s about getting players ready and shaking off any rust. Robertson-Harris has improved significantly over the past two weeks, and we expect that progress to continue.”
