Charlie Strong: Jaguars want to get CJ Henderson back on track

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback C.J. Henderson returned to training camp on Tuesday after missing a scrimmage over the weekend due to personal reasons. The second-year player started the season on the COVID-19 exemption list and has recently been linked to trade talks.

After going No. 9 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Henderson went through a difficult season with the Jaguars that was interrupted by shoulder and groin injuries. He received offseason surgery to repair the nagging shoulder issue.

He finished his first season with 36 tackles in eight games with one interception and one forced fumble.

Return to practice

Jaguars defensive coordinator Charlie Strong spoke Tuesday about his hope for the talented defensive back after a meeting with Urban Meyer.

“We didn’t have to go get him to come to the facility, just had a conversation with him,” Strong told the Florida Times-Union’s John Reid. “Anytime you have a great young man like that, you want to make sure you do everything possible to help him get back on track. We know he can make us a lot better football team. He wants to play. He is going to do everything he can to get back.”

Strong said that he is not sure whether Henderson will be involved in the team’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 14. The Jaguars have two more preseason games against Saints and Cowboys before the regular season.

Th Jaguars open their season on Sept. 12 against the Houston Texans and play their first home game in week two against the Denver Broncos.

The depth chart

Strong was not sure when Henderson might return to the first-team defense either.

The Jaguars underwent significant roster turnover under Meyer’s new regime this offseason, adding a number of rookies and free agents. The defensive backfield has been one of the most competitive position groups.

Rookie Tyson Campbell joins the team as a player the staff likes in a number of roles after a successful college career at cornerback. Andre Cisco was a third-round selection who will look to find play time at safety. Former Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin also signed a long-term deal with the Jaguars during free agency.

In addition to Henderson, cornerbacks Sidney Jones IV, Luq Barcoo and Tre Herndon will battle for roster spots and snaps in the Jaguars defense under Meyer and Strong.

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