ATLANTA, Ga. – Devin Lloyd was smiling Saturday evening.
And why not? The Jaguars’ rookie linebacker did what he wanted that afternoon. He not only played his first NFL game, he played well – and felt good and healthy afterward.
That made the preseason finale a good day for Lloyd.
“I loved being out on the field, being with my guys,” Lloyd said after playing about 25 plays Saturday in the Jaguars’ 28-12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in a Preseason Week 3 game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“It was definitely fun. There are obviously some things to correct, but more than anything I was just blessed to be out there.”
Lloyd, the No. 27 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, played much of the first half Saturday after missing the first three preseason games with a hamstring injury. He registered five tackles – and perhaps most importantly, left the game uninjured.
“He came out of the game perfectly fine,” Head Coach Doug Pederson said. “He came out strong and healthy. We wanted to get him the first quarter at least. He did well. He looked good and played fast. It was good to see.
“We just have to find out where he is health-wise when we get back. We’ll check him this week as we get back into practice.”
Said Lloyd, “It feels good. It’s going to be a little sore, but it’s definitely strong. It felt good out there. I have no concerns at all.”
Rookie third-round selection Chad Muma played extensively in Lloyd’s spot throughout much of 2022 Training Camp. Lloyd and third-year veteran Shaq Quarterman started inside Saturday, with Muma not playing as the Jaguars rested most starters and front-line players.
“It’s just a great situation to be in, with two young guys who can rotate really,” Pederson said. “You have three players to play two spots – which is good. Both of those young players have really been bright spots. They’re young players, ascending players, who are going to have to play some meaningful snaps obviously for us during the regular season.”
Lloyd called the chance…
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