Jaguars fans may be in for a treat this preseason. Jacksonville is reportedly exploring multiple joint practice opportunities throughout the 2026 preseason, a development that carries real value at a time when most starting-caliber players see limited action in actual preseason games.
Carolina Returning to Jax
The first 2026 confirmation came from Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who, on Monday, verified reports that Jacksonville will host joint practices with the Panthers during Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason.
Carolina last faced off against Jacksonville in week one of the 2025 season, with Jacksonville winning the EverBank Stadium matchup 26-10.
The agreement makes natural sense given the close proximity and the connection between the two franchises, and for Jaguars fans, it also means a reunion of sorts, with former Jacksonville linebacker Devin Lloyd now in Carolina teal making his first visit back to Jacksonville’s Miller Electric Center. Additionally, Coen, in 2024, took over as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Canales received the Panthers head coaching job. Jacksonville passing game coordinator, Shane Waldron, also coached with Canales for years with the Seattle Seahawks.
A second, potential joint practice opportunity may be even more anticipated. Earlier this offseason, head coach Liam Coen stated his preference to arrange joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if the two teams landed on the same preseason schedule. With the schedule now confirmed and Tampa Bay slotted into Jacksonville’s Week 3 preseason game, it would be reasonable to expect that conversation to move forward. Coen’s familiarity with the Buccaneers organization only adds to the likelihood of that session coming together. Jacksonville last hosted Tampa Bay for joint practices back in the 2024 preseason, a week that produced some memorable moments, including a standout showing from a then-lesser known Brian Thomas Jr. that offered an early glimpse of what was to come.
In an era where meaningful preseason snaps for starters are increasingly rare, joint practices have quietly become one of the most valuable evaluation tools available to NFL coaching staffs, and one of the most compelling content offerings for fans navigating the long wait between the draft and the regular season. Jacksonville appears set to deliver on both fronts in 2026.
Full Preseason Schedule
- Week 1 (Sat, Aug 15th; 4 pm): at New Orleans Saints
- Week 2 (Fri, Aug 21st; 7:30 pm): vs Carolina Panthers
- Week 3 (Fri, Aug 28th; 7:30 pm): vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If all the stars align, Jacksonville could potentially have three straight weeks of joint practices, with the gameday action primarily focused on the rookie class, team depth, and players who spent much of 2025 injured.
