Jaguars claim LB Caleb Johnson off waivers, cut DL Adam Gotsis in preparation for Week 1

The Jacksonville Jaguars continued to churn its roster by releasing veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis while claiming Chicago Bears linebacker Caleb Johnson off of waivers, the team announced on Thursday.

Gotsis originally signed with the team prior to the 2020 season, starting 18 games over the past two seasons. He accounted for 64 total tackles, including 38 solos and three sacks across 32 total games played for Jacksonville.

Johnson, 6-foot-2, 227 pounds, originally signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He played for the Houston Baptist Huskies for four seasons. He finished his collegiate career with 278 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and seven fumble recoveries.

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Extra week of preparation for Washington Commanders

There's one more week to go as the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for Week 1 of the regular season against the Washington Commanders. Over the past few days, Jacksonville has had the opportunity to test out its 53-man roster, the team's initial attempt at getting the players it wants to carry through the year.

"It's different when you go from 90, or 91 in our case, to 53," Pederson explained during his press conference on Thursday. "I mean, it's a small group, you know, but it is good. It's good to see the guys kind of come together and see who your team, the guys are."

On Tuesday, the team's roster was even smaller than on Wednesday or Thursday. Jacksonville hadn't added players to its practice squad, which currently stands at 11 as of Thursday morning. That made practice a bit different in how they had to operate, with Pederson noting that the team had to modify the format.

"Then we got some guys back yesterday and we'll have a few more back today. So, it's still a work in progress, but it's good to kind of finally see the 53 that you're working with."

One of the major victories for Pederson is that the team is relatively healthy going into the start of the season. As of today, only DL Foley Fatukasi was seen working off to the side, everyone else appeared to be perfectly fine. Cautioning that the team has yet to play a game yet, Pederson said he feels good heading into Week 1.

"I like where Trevor is, the quarterback and that's a big part of this, and his comfort level within the system," Pederson explained. "And really how this team has come together over the course of the last six weeks here at camp that really shows the maturity and leadership of this football team. So,  standing here today you feel good about your team going into the regular season."

Waiting game for Jaguars starting offensive line

The Jaguars might be in preparation mode, but that doesn't mean they're quite ready to name players as starters - especially as it pertains to the offensive line. There's been a consistent battle at right tackle throughout camp, including Jawaan Taylor and Walker Little. At left guard, both Ben Bartch and Tyler Shatley have split time performing those duties.

On Thursday, Pederson indicated that he would not be disclosing who will ultimately play at either spot, something we might find out next week as they head into their first full prep week of the season.

"He's done a nice job competing over there with Tyler," Pederson said when asked about the third-year guard in Bartch. "Again, that's a position and along with right tackle, we feel really comfortable with whoever's in there."

The Jaguars aren't in any hurry to announce who is taking either spot on the OL, at least not publically as the team continues to rotate both Taylor and Little at right tackle, while utilizing Bartch and Shatley at left guard.

Jaguars will pick captains next week

As the team continues to work through its final roster, captains will emerge among the group. Pederson stated on Thursday that captains will be chosen by the team itself, not coaches and finalized sometime next week. There will be two offensive and defensive players chosen, along with a special teams player.

Each week, Pederson will also pick a special sixth captain that will rotate depending on who the team is playing. For example, if right guard Brandon Scherff isn't among the five captains chosen by the players, he would be a possibility to be the team's sixth captain opening up against Washington.

Last year, the Jaguars had seven captains, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, receiver Marvin Jones, center Brandon Linder, cornerback Shaq Griffin, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, linebacker Myles Jack and outside linebacker Josh Allen.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter at @Demetrius82.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars claim LB Caleb Johnson, cut vet DL Adam Gotsis