The Jacksonville Jaguars encountered an early obstacle as second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list just before training camp began. While this development brings immediate concern, head coach Liam Coen suggested on Wednesday that Smith’s injury is likely minor and not expected to keep him sidelined for long.

Coach Liam Coen Provides Reassurance on Smith’s Condition

Coen described Smith’s situation as primarily precautionary, explaining that the defensive tackle had a strong offseason and arrived at camp in excellent condition. Despite a slight injury sustained during the onset of camp, Coen remains optimistic about Smith’s near-term availability.

Yeah. I don’t think extremely long,

Coen said.

“It’s not a major issue. It’s a little bit more precautionary. You know, just tweaked it kind of the week of camp. So nothing — he had a great offseason. He worked his tail off. He was here a ton. He was in great shape. Worked his tail off, so it was a little bit of a bummer, obviously, but, it’s a little bit more precautionary. Could he go and play in a game in this week? You know, who knows. But, it won’t be too long.”

—Liam Coen, Head Coach

Impact of Smith’s Absence on the Jaguars’ Defensive Line

Although Smith’s time away from practice may be brief, his absence represents a significant setback for the Jaguars’ defensive front. This group remained largely intact throughout the offseason, with Smith’s continued growth playing a crucial role in the unit’s success this season. As a result, others within the defensive tackle rotation will need to accelerate their development to fill the void.

Potential Leaders to Fill the Gap on the Defensive Line

Among those expected to step up is Jordan Jefferson, another second-year player from LSU who showed promise during his rookie year. Jefferson’s progression has been less highlighted compared to Smith’s, but with increased reps during practice, he could become a key contributor in the evolving defensive scheme under coordinator Anthony Campanile.

Additionally, veteran Arik Armstead is slated to start at the three-technique defensive tackle spot Smith typically occupies. Armstead’s leadership both on and off the field stands out as an asset amid this early challenge.

Yeah. I think Arik’s got, as you know he’s the Walter Payton Man of the Year. He’s got great leadership qualities and the people in the locker room look up to Arik,

said Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.

One because of his consistency and performance and just his personality is that of a guy that wants to help other people. As a coach, it’s a great thing to have. A guy that is always going to be honest, and that’s what we’re always looking for. Honest feedback from coaches to players, players to coaches, and I think he’s done a great job with that.

—Anthony Campanile, Defensive Coordinator

Adjusting to Challenges as Training Camp Progresses

As Maason Smith recovers, the Jaguars’ defensive tackle group faces pressure to quickly adapt and maintain the unit‘s effectiveness within Campanile’s defensive scheme. The increased roles for Jefferson and Armstead are especially important in sustaining defensive performance during this pivotal stage of preparation ahead of the season.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Jacksonville’s Defensive Line

This early injury places urgency on both emerging and veteran players to rise to the occasion, which could shape the defensive line’s impact throughout the upcoming season. How quickly the Jaguars adjust will be key to preserving the competitiveness of their defense, making these next weeks of training camp critical for the team’s success.