Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen announced on Friday that two of the team's most recent trade deadline acquisitions will not take the field during their Week 10 matchup against division rival Tennessee. Both safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle Jordan Davis are expected to sit out the road game, marking a deliberate pause in their immediate integration with the new squad.
Coen explained that the primary reason for resting the two players is that neither has yet had a bye week, whereas the Jaguars have already utilized their midseason break. The second-year head coach stated that the decision is driven by a strong emphasis on player safety. Additionally, the coaching staff wants to provide the new arrivals with an extra week to study the team's playbook and fully understand their roles within the defensive scheme.
While Bates and Davis will rest, another player acquired at the deadline will be active. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, whom Jacksonville obtained in a separate trade with the New Orleans Saints, is expected to play in Sunday's contest. This selective approach allows the team to field a full roster while managing the workload of the high-profile additions.
The Jaguars secured Bates in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, sending a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick in exchange. Bates is currently in the final year of his contract and has had a strong start to the 2026 season. In nine games, he has recorded one interception, three forced fumbles, and 60 total tackles. His arrival is viewed as a significant upgrade for the Jaguars' safety room, a position group that has seen various players, including Antonio Johnson, Eric Murray, Rayuan Lane III, and Kaevon Merriweather, take snaps earlier in the season.
Davis was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in a deal that involved the Jaguars surrendering a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick. He is in the first year of a three-year, $78 million contract extension signed with Philadelphia during the past offseason. Through the first part of the season, Davis has played 52% of the Eagles' snaps, recording 31 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three quarterback hits.
Upon joining Jacksonville, Davis will slot into a defensive line that already includes Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Arik Armstead, Davon Godchaux, and Ruke Orhorhoro. The unit has faced challenges, most notably the loss of DaVon Hamilton to a significant injury, which makes Davis' potential impact even more critical for the team's defensive structure.
Although the Jaguars paid a premium in draft capital to acquire both Bates and Davis, the coaching staff believes these players will prove essential during the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. Fans and analysts will have to wait at least another week to see the two stars in Jaguars uniforms for the first time.
The decision to rest these high-value assets underscores the team's long-term strategy of ensuring they are fully acclimated to the system before placing them in high-stakes situations. By prioritizing safety and preparation now, Jacksonville aims to maximize their performance when it matters most later in the year.
The upcoming game against Tennessee will serve as a test of the Jaguars' depth and the integration of other recent moves, even in the absence of their two marquee deadline additions. Coen's comments suggest a methodical approach to managing the roster, balancing immediate competitive needs with the long-term development and health of key personnel.
As the season progresses, the focus will shift to how quickly Bates and Davis can assimilate into the defensive culture. The extra week of preparation may prove to be a pivotal factor in their ability to contribute effectively when they eventually return to the lineup.
