The Jacksonville Jaguars closed out their preseason against the Miami Dolphins on August 23, and for wide receiver Austin Trammell, the matchup was more than a tune-up. It was an audition. Battling veteran Trenton Irwin for one of the final roster spots, Trammell made his case with a performance that combined toughness, versatility, and resilience, even if the box score did not tell the full story.
Trammell finished with five targets, catching three passes for 21 yards. He also added two carries on designed plays, picking up 17 yards. While a key drop stood out, it did not define his evening. The former Rice wideout hauled in a pair of contested grabs that showed his ability to fight through traffic and move the chains. Against Miami’s defensive starters, Trammell proved that his value is not limited to a stat sheet.
Knockout in the Competition
Veteran analyst Mike Dempsey on the Jaguars post-game show did not mince words in his postgame evaluation of the Jaguars’ receiver battle.
“If there was a Trammell vs Trenton Irwin roster spot competition tonight I think Trammell delivered a knock out punch tonight,” Dempsey said. “I thought he outplayed him decisively tonight.”
The evaluation reflects what unfolded on the field. While Trenton Irwin’s reliability and special teams contributions have long been his calling card, Trammell showed he could create offense in multiple ways. His ability to contribute as both a receiver and ball carrier gave the Jaguars coaching staff a fresh look at what he can offer.
The Coach’s Perspective
Roster cut week is one of the most difficult stretches of the NFL calendar. First-year Jaguars head coach Liam Coen acknowledged that the decisions looming after the Miami game will not be easy.
“We have some difficult decisions to make,” Coen said. “I thought some guys helped themselves tonight I would say. Whether it’s on our team or someone else’s.”
For Trammell, the performance could be the type of effort that nudges a coaching staff into action. Coaches value players who make the most of limited opportunities, and Trammell’s ability to rebound from an early mistake with productive plays highlighted his competitive edge.
Why Trammell Has an Edge
The Jaguars’ wide receiver group is among the most competitive on the roster. Established options and young talent are locked into the top spots, leaving only narrow margins for players like Trammell and Irwin. That is why versatility and momentum carry so much weight in late August.
Austin Trammell demonstrated both against Miami. His ability to contribute on jet sweeps and short-yardage passing plays showed that offensive staffers trust him with designed touches. He also flashed toughness on third down, extending drives with catches that required focus and physicality.
Irwin’s experience remains valuable, but Sunday’s game highlighted why Trammell may be the fresher option. In a league where roster depth must balance upside with reliability, the younger receiver offered just enough spark to tilt the conversation in his favor.
The Bottom Line
When final cuts arrive, nothing is guaranteed. But if Jacksonville must choose between Austin Trammell and Trenton Irwin, Sunday’s preseason finale may have tipped the scales. Trammell may not have posted eye-popping stats, but his effort, versatility, and resilience stood out in a critical moment. For a player fighting for his NFL future, that might be enough.
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