Jaguars to Rest Trade Deadline Acquisitions Jordan Davis and Jessie Bates III Against Titans

Jacksonville Jaguars trade deadline acquisitions Jordan Davis and Jessie Bates III will have to wait at least one more week to make their debuts. Coach Liam Coen announced Friday that the defensive tackle and safety will not play on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in Week 10.

The Jaguars (6-2) acquired both defensive standouts just a day before Tuesday's trade deadline, exchanging two draft picks for each player to bolster a roster that currently holds a three-game lead in the AFC South.

Managing the Bye Week Schedule

Coen explained that both players will receive the weekend off primarily because neither has experienced a bye week this season. Jacksonville has already had its bye and will close the regular season with nine consecutive games.

Davis arrived from the Philadelphia Eagles, who are currently on their bye week. Bates was acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, who are scheduled for a bye next week. Giving the newcomers a weekend of rest allows them to physically reset before the nine-game stretch run. Neither player participated in practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

Replacing Injured Starters

Jacksonville aggressively pursued Davis and Bates to replace key contributors lost to season-ending injuries. Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton is out for the season with a knee and quad injury, while safety Eric Murray is sidelined for the year with an elbow issue.

To secure Davis, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 draft, the Jaguars sent a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2029 second-rounder to Philadelphia. Davis signed a three-year, $78 million extension with the Eagles in March that kicks in next season. He has 1.5 sacks and an interception in nine games this season, following a campaign where he set career highs with 4.5 sacks and 72 tackles.

The trade for Bates cost Jacksonville a 2027 second-rounder and a 2028 fifth-rounder. A nine-year veteran and three-time second-team All-Pro, Bates is in the final year of his contract. He has recorded 60 tackles, an interception, and a fumble-return touchdown this season, pushing his career interception total to 28.

Speaking on the quality of the reinforcements, Coen highlighted the elite talent joining the defense. He described one of the additions as "arguably a Top 5 player at his position" and noted, "He has so much impact on a game."

Davon Godchaux Ready to Play

While Davis and Bates rest, another defensive tackle acquired at the deadline is expected to suit up. Davon Godchaux, whom the Jaguars landed from the New Orleans Saints on the same day, is expected to play against the Titans.

Unlike Davis and Bates, Godchaux and the Saints had Week 8 off, meaning he has already had his midseason rest. He will step in immediately to help Jacksonville navigate their divisional matchup against a struggling 1-7 Tennessee squad.