The Jacksonville Jaguars will open their 2026 regular season Sunday against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Field, with kickoff at 1 p.m. The Jaguars enter the matchup as defending AFC South champions with a 13-4 record, while the Browns come in at 5-12.
Heading into the season-opener, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen emphasized the importance of intensity and physicality over perfection. “You have to know going into it that it may not always be perfect, but it does have to be violent, and it does have to be physical,” Coen said Friday during his media availability.
Coen, in his second season leading Jacksonville, highlighted how the team transitioned from training camp preparation to regular-season focus. “I thought they did a nice job of working through the work week and kind of getting back into that flow,” Coen said. “There’s just a lot more detail that goes into each day, a lot more true focus.”
The Jaguars’ approach aligns with their Week 1 performance last season under Coen’s inaugural leadership, when Jacksonville defeated the Carolina Panthers 26-10. Coen referenced that game while discussing his philosophy: “I went back and watched the Carolina game again, and by no means was it perfect, but you can make up for a lot when you play the game violently and you play the game as the aggressor.”
On the injury front, Jacksonville faces several uncertainties heading into Sunday. Right tackle Cole Van Lanen, who sustained a knee injury in Week 18 last season, was listed without status on Friday’s final injury report, meaning he is expected to be available. However, Coen indicated Van Lanen will be a game-time decision after being limited in practice all week. Walker Little is expected to start at right tackle if Van Lanen is unable to play. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (thumb) was also listed without status, while running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (hip) is questionable. Left tackle Anton Harrison missed practice with a foot injury and was listed without game status Friday.
Key facts
- The Jaguars (13-4) face the Browns (5-12) Sunday at 1 p.m. at EverBank Field
- Head coach Liam Coen is in his second season with Jacksonville after being hired in January 2025
- The Jaguars won their division in 2025 and defeated Carolina 26-10 in Week 1 last season under Coen
- Cole Van Lanen (right tackle) is a game-time decision after a knee injury; Walker Little is the backup
- Multiple players have injury concerns heading into the opener