Jaguars Sign Austin Johnson to Practice Squad
Jacksonville releases long-snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer to make room for the former second-round pick.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed defensive tackle Austin Johnson to their practice squad, announced Monday. The move came after DaVon Hamilton suffered an injury in Sunday's game, and the team released long-snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer to open a roster spot.
Why it matters
The signing adds depth on the defensive line while Hamilton's injury is evaluated, giving the Jaguars a ready option without a full roster commitment. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the move also keeps the team's options open at a position of need.
Johnson, a 2016 second-round pick by Tennessee, averaged just under 14 snaps per game and recorded two quarterback pressures and one sack in 2025. The extent and recovery timeline of Hamilton's injury remain unspecified.
The players
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville-based NFL franchise competes in the AFC South and is the subject of this roster move.
Austin Johnson
A defensive tackle drafted in the second round by Tennessee in 2016 who rejoined the Jaguars' practice squad.
DaVon Hamilton
A Jaguars defensive lineman whose injury in Sunday's game prompted the depth move.
The details
Johnson joined the Jaguars during training camp in early August 2025 after not being re-signed following the 2025 offseason free agency. To make room on the roster, Jacksonville released long-snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer, and the club also confirmed Ross Matiscik is healthy.
Timeline
Early August 2025: Johnson joins the Jaguars during training camp.
Sunday, November 1, 2026: DaVon Hamilton is injured in a game.
Monday, November 2, 2026: The Jaguars announce Johnson's practice squad signing.
November 10, 2026: The NFL trade deadline, when Jacksonville could explore options at defensive tackle.
Season Trajectory
The practice squad system, introduced in 2008, lets teams add depth without using active roster spots, and this signing follows that pattern of injury-driven depth moves. With the trade deadline on Nov. 10, Jacksonville's defensive tackle options will shape how the rest of its season develops.
The signing gives Jacksonville a ready defensive tackle option for fantasy and roster planning while Hamilton's status is monitored. Practice squad players can be elevated to the active roster on game days, so Johnson's availability could matter quickly if the injury lingers.
The takeaway
Roster depth moves like this one often decide how teams handle injuries during a tight stretch of the season. Readers following the Jaguars should watch for Hamilton's status and any activity before the Nov. 10 deadline.
What happens next
The NFL trade deadline falls on Nov. 10, 2026, when the Jaguars could explore additional defensive tackle options.
Further reading
For more on the team's depth chart and roster moves, see Football coverage.
