The Jacksonville Jaguars are getting a seriously important piece back on their offensive line, and honestly, the rest of the league needs to pay attention. Offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen is officially off the physically unable to perform list as of Thursday, a huge boost for their trenches. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported this move. This isn’t just some depth guy coming back; we’re talking about a veteran who knows what it takes to be in the toughest part of the field.
Back In The Trenches After A Week 18 Scare
Van Lanen’s return is a huge deal, especially when you think about the timeline. He suffered a knee injury way back in Week 18 last season. That’s a brutal time to go down. But to be back and cleared off the PUP list this quickly, here in late August, it just screams dedication and grit. He didn’t waste any time getting himself ready. Last year alone, he was a fixture for Jacksonville, suiting up for 16 games and making 10 starts. That’s not a small contribution, is it? Since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2021, Van Lanen has played in 51 games, snagging 13 starts. That experience is invaluable for an O-line, and getting him back means the Jags’ protection unit is suddenly looking a whole lot more cohesive and solid.
Jacksonville’s O-Line Is Getting Stacked
It looks like Jacksonville is serious about beefing up their protection this season. Van Lanen’s return isn’t even the only big move they’ve made on the offensive line this week. Just a few days ago, the Jaguars traded for another offensive lineman, Daniel Faalele, bringing him over from the Giants to add more muscle. When you’re adding a battle-tested veteran like Van Lanen back, fresh off recovery, and then immediately bringing in another big body like Faalele, it tells you exactly what management and the coaching staff are prioritizing. They’re clearly looking to protect their quarterback and rip open massive running lanes. This kind of aggressive investment right before the regular season kicks off, sends a pretty clear message to the rest of the AFC South: the Jaguars mean business, and their O-line is gonna be a force.
Get ready to see these guys in action sooner rather than later. The Jaguars are set to host a preseason matchup against the Panthers on Friday night. It’ll be the first real chance for fans to see how this re-energized offensive line starts to gel, how well Faalele integrates, and, crucially, how much of an immediate impact Cole Van Lanen can have after his impressive comeback. You know the Jacksonville faithful are gonna be absolutely hyped to see him back on the field, wearing that Jags uniform. This Friday night game is going to be an important preview for what’s coming.
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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