JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars will kick off their first of three joint practices this summer on Thursday against the New Orleans Saints , creating an interesting few days ahead.
With the Jaguars' starters not expected to play in the preseason opener vs. the Saints on Saturday, Thursday's practice is now all the more important. So, which Jaguars need to stand out on Thursday for one reason or another? We break down a few names below.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (99) looks on 1during the sixth day of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
New Jaguars defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro has certainly flashed at times in training camp, both as a pass-rusher and against the run. With that said, the Jaguars have made it perfectly clear with their actions (practice reps, depth chart) that veteran defensive tackle Matt Dickerson should not be simply assumed to be behind Orhorhoro.
A solid day against an opposing offensive line would certainly help Orhorhoro's stock, especially since the Jaguars have a defensive line that will already have plenty of run and passing down snaps already accounted for with their top-level starters. Orhorhoro has talent to make an impact on the line, and he will need to show this is the case against the Saints.
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Wyatt Milum (64) looks on during the sixth day of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Jaguars offensive lineman Wyatt Milum has stepped up at a few different spots in camp due to injuries, taking snaps with the first-team offense at both right guard and right tackle. If the Jaguars had a Week 1 kickoff on Sunday, he would be starting somewhere along the offensive line. With that said, simply being present and healthy is one thing, but it is time for Milum to start to stand out.
It remains to be seen whether his best fit is at tackle or guard, so it would make sense for the Jaguars to get a look at him at both spots. The Jaguars are too banged-up to risk getting Milum hurt in the preseason, so this is the time for them to really evaluate how far he has come along, and if he is ready for an elevated role.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end BJ Green II (95) smiles while walking off the field after Day 11 of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.bj | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
B.J. Green has done every single thing the Jaguars have asked out of him since he was drafted, and he has risen up the depth chart in a big way as a result. If the Jaguars had to take the field today, Green would likely be the No. 3 edge defender behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker , an important role that he will have to be ready for. He can help prove that readiness with a good day against the Saints.
Green has stood out this summer due to his motor and explosiveness off the ball, and he has been able to give the Jaguars' offensive line fits as a result. If he can take over a joint practice like he has taken over practices at the Miller Electric Center, then the arrow on his trajectory will be pointing up in a big way.
Aug 3, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (37) participates in training camp at Miller Electric Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Another player who has risen up the depth chart as the result of top-notch practice performances is cornerback Jabbar Muhammad. He has stood out in more or less every practice ever since the offseason program in the spring, and he will have another big chance to do so on Thursday since he likely will get at least some run. A lot of snaps will belong to the top cornerbacks, but Jourdan Lewis has been out for the last few days and this would make Muhammad the CB4.
Muhammad has been so impressive against the Jaguars' receivers so far that the last thing he really needs to do is show it against a live opponent. The Saints have a talented receiver room and should offer a solid test for the ascending young cornerback as he continues to make a push for the 53-man roster.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/onsi as 4 Jaguars Who Need to Fare Well in Joint Practices vs. the Saints .
