Jaguars close out preseason with win over Buccaneers

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially finished the 2026 preseason.

The Jaguars defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-0. Several starters watched from the sideline as end-of-roster players were given the spotlight, getting one final chance to make an impression on the coaching staff ahead of cut down day on Aug. 30.

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Head coach Liam Coen said earlier in the week that the team would leave the door open for any player who had a standout performance, but he admitted it's largely a decision made based on the body of work this offseason.

Game recap: Jaguars vs Bucs in preseason fight for roster spots

Did any players help their stock in the contest? Here are a few takeaways from the final preseason game:

Bryan Thomas Jr. does all he can to help roster chances

There were only a few roster spots available going into the contest. The Jaguars were largely set at several positions as they retained a majority of their team from the previous season.

Still, as Coen said, the door was open for any players to have a standout performance. Rookie undrafted free agent defensive lineman Bryan Thomas Jr. took full advantage of his opportunity.

Thomas logged 2.5 sacks in the game, terrorizing Tampa Bay's reserve offensive line and quarterbacks. He's come on strong in the final weeks of training camp and looked like he belonged in the final game.

It was similar to the performance by former undrafted free agent BJ Green last season in the final preseason game. That resulted in Green making the roster and he's projected to get play time with the starting defense this season.

We'll have to wait until Sunday to determine if he's on the roster or not, but it was a good performance by the undrafted free agent. One of several in recent weeks for him.

Michael Wortham scores on a punt return touchdown

Michael Wortham scored a 63-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter, putting the game out of reach for the visitors.

Wortham got close to breaking free on an earlier return, but was tackled by punter Riley Dixon before he could elude him. He didn't let his next opportunity pass him by.

He caught the ball and back juked to avoid a nearby defender almost immediately. After regaining his balance he sped toward the left side of the field, accelerating past Buccaneers as teammates cleared a path for him.

Escorted by a teal convoy, he sped down the home sideline and made it to the endzone with ease. The undrafted free agent celebrated the touchdown surrounded by teammates, closing what's been an impressive offseason for him.

With how loaded the Jaguars are at receiver it's unlikely he'll be retained as a practice squad player after roster cuts, but after scoring a touchdown maybe another team will find value for him on their roster as a returner.

Cam Little remains automatic in the preseason

The Jaguars struck gold when they landed kicker Cam Little in the 2024 NFL Draft. He netted a 61-yard field goal in the first half to open the scoring for the game.

It brought his total to 20 of 21 field goals in his career in preseason games. His only miss was from 62 yards in his rookie season. He also hit a record 70-yarder in the 2025 preseason.

He's been one of the best players on the roster and his consistency has become a dependable aspect of Jacksonville's offense, giving the team confidence that they can end most drives with points.

Practice squad quarterback battle goes down to the wire

Obviously, the Jaguars are set at starting quarterback. The team will roll with Nick Mullens as the backup behind Trevor Lawrence.

But the starting practice squad quarterback spot has been up for grabs all training camp. Carter Bradley is the incumbent and has had an up-and-down performance in the preseason. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers, getting the chance to play in the second and third quarters.

He orchestrated a 14 play, 79-yard drive that resulted in Jacksonville's first touchdown of the game. Then he scored a two-point conversion to cap his night, diving in the endzone after faking out a Tampa Bay defender.

Aguilar had several drives stall out, but his near-perfect performance in the game against the Panthers and long pass against the Saints will certainly give the coaching staff to talk about.

It'll be a battle of experience versus potential and the winner will get the chance to man the scout team.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars close out preseason with win over Buccaneers

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