The Jacksonville Jaguars are already dealing with a major headache right before their training camp kicks off, with a pair of offensive linemen hitting the physically unable to perform, or PUP, list. This isn’t just a minor setback, either. We’re talking about Cole Van Lanen, who was their starting left tackle at the end of last season, and undrafted rookie Garret DiGiorgio both sidelined. For a team trying to build momentum, losing key pieces on the O-line before camp even officially starts is a tough pill to swallow.
Van Lanen’s Lingering Blow Leaves a Hole
Cole Van Lanen’s placement on the PUP list feels like a gut punch because it stems from an injury that’s been hanging around for a while. Remember that Week 18 knee injury he picked up back in 2025? Yeah, that one. It’s still sidelining him, and that’s a massive problem for the Jaguars’ blindside protection. This isn’t some fresh camp tweak; this is a lingering issue from the previous regular season, and it means their starting left tackle isn’t going to be practicing right away. Think about what that means for continuity and chemistry building on the offensive line. Van Lanen’s got experience, too, having started 10 games overall and playing in 50 for Jacksonville over the last four seasons. That kind of veteran presence is crucial, and now he’s ineligible to practice. It leaves a huge question mark over that critical left tackle spot as the team gears up for a new year.
A Rookie’s Lost Opportunity and O-Line Pressure
Adding to the O-line woes, undrafted rookie Garret DiGiorgio is also on the PUP list, which is a real blow for a guy who needs every single rep he can get. DiGiorgio signed with the Jaguars after wrapping up his college career at UCLA, where he showed some real versatility by starting at both guard and tackle. That kind of flexibility is usually a huge asset for a rookie trying to make the roster, but not if you’re stuck on the sidelines. Being ineligible to practice means he’s missing out on invaluable coaching, reps against NFL talent, and the chance to simply learn the playbook and system. Both Van Lanen and DiGiorgio can be activated from the PUP list at any time, which offers a glimmer of hope, but the fact remains: crucial early training camp practices will go on without them. The offensive line is all about cohesion, and losing two players, one a projected starter and the other a promising rookie, throws a wrench into those initial plans. It puts immediate pressure on the rest of the unit to step up and build that essential chemistry.
This is a true test for the Jaguars right out of the gate. With training camp just getting underway, they’ve got to find answers on the offensive line without two of their guys. The focus now shifts to how quickly Van Lanen can recover and if DiGiorgio can make up for lost time. How will the rest of the line respond to this early adversity? We’ll be watching to see who steps up in their absence and how this vital unit starts to take shape for the upcoming season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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