Urban Meyer gives update on CJ Henderson

After a rocky start to fall camp, Jaguars cornerback C.J. Henderson had a successful first preseason game on Saturday. Meyer provided a brief update on the second-year player.

“I saw him make a couple plays out there tonight,” Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer said. “I just like the fact that he’s getting back in to game shape. I’m not sure how many plays he had, but you know, that COVID knocked the teeth out of him. And then he came back and started practicing good so we just gotta get him revved up to game speed and game shape”

Henderson broke up two of four passes thrown his way, nearly had an interception and allowed just 15 yards. He kept the Browns to a passer rating of 59.4 according to PFF.

Meyer had additional commentary on Henderson’s performance on Monday. 

“Twenty-eight plays and he played pretty good,” Meyer said. “He didn’t get winning performance, but he got honorable mention. He’s very talented obviously. (Good to see him) getting back in game mode.”

Henderson’s rollercoaster start to his time in the pros

Henderson, a 2020 first round draft pick out of Florida, started fall camp on the COVID-19 reserve list. He later sat out a scrimmage for personal reasons. Prior to Saturday, he had practiced just four times, and one of those was a walkthrough.

He was the subject of trade discussions during the offseason, but after Saturday’s performance, those rumors have appeared to subside at least somewhat. Meyer has not mentioned the topic in recent days.

Henderson went through a difficult rookie 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 starts with one interception and one forced fumble.

The Jaguars know Henderson has a high ceiling and are trying to ensure he has the opportunity to reach it this season and beyond.

“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,” Jaguars defensive coordinator Charlie Strong told the Florida Times-Union’s John Reid last week. “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.”

On3 writer James Fletcher contributed to this report.