E.J. Perry has once again rejoined the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking his third stint with the team. The latest signing came on Wednesday, largely driven by a recent injury to backup quarterback C.J. Beathard, who is dealing with a groin strain.
E.J. Perry journey with the Jaguars began in 2022 when he initially signed as an undrafted free agent. During his rookie season, he was part of the practice squad, where he honed his skills and learned the intricacies of professional football. However, he was waived in the subsequent offseason, prompting a series of moves that saw him with various teams.
Following his release from the Jaguars, Perry spent some time with the Houston Texans. His tenure with the Texans was short-lived, and he soon found himself signing with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL. His stint with the Panthers, while providing valuable game experience, did not last long before he was back with the Texans for a second time.
Perry’s journey took another turn when he was released by the Texans and rejoined the Michigan Panthers. His performance with the Panthers was notable enough to catch the eye of NFL teams, leading to his re-signing with the Jaguars in December after an injury to starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Perry’s initial contract with the Jaguars expired at the end of the year, and he subsequently signed with the Panthers for a third time.
This week, the Jaguars brought Perry back onto their roster, a move necessitated by Beathard’s recent injury. With Beathard sidelined, Perry’s presence becomes crucial as the Jaguars head into their final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. Despite the setback with Beathard, the team is expected to play their starters more extensively in this game to prepare for the regular season. Starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence will take the field, and backup quarterback Mac Jones is also set to play. Perry’s addition ensures that the Jaguars have sufficient depth at the quarterback position, which will help them navigate the game without risking a shortage at a key position.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson addressed the situation, highlighting the importance of the final preseason game. “In this third and final preseason game, we typically allow the starters to play a bit more,” Pederson noted. He also acknowledged that the length of time the starters will play depends on various factors, including the game’s progression and specific circumstances.
Pederson emphasized the significance of this game as it helps simulate a regular-season week. “We do take a look at Atlanta a little bit and simulate a game week schedule-wise now that camp has broken,” he explained. The aim is to recreate the regular-season experience as closely as possible, with players returning to their homes and adjusting to the routine of a typical game week. This approach helps the team acclimate to the transition from training camp to the regular season, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Perry’s return to the Jaguars underscores his resilience and adaptability. His journey through different teams and leagues has provided him with a wealth of experience, which he brings back to the Jaguars as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Beathard’s injury impacting the team’s depth chart, Perry’s presence is timely and provides valuable support to ensure that the team can execute their game plan effectively in the final stages of preseason
Originally posted on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI
By John Shipley