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David Caldwell on Jaguars final cuts

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars made their final cuts on Saturday afternoon, announcing the initial 53-man roster. General manager Dave Caldwell held a conference call after the cuts were made official to speak on the reasoning behind some of their moves and what the team plans to go forward.

One of the least shocking cuts was that of center Michael Brewster, who just couldn't hold down the starting job and lacked the versatility to be a valuable backup offensive lineman.

"We had high hopes for Brew and as we said coming into the season," Caldwell said about Brewster. "When we drafted Luke Bowanko and Jacques McClendon playing in there and (Brandon) Linder getting some reps, I think maybe it was just the stress and anxiety, but he just didn’t perform to his best and left some opportunities on the field. He’s a great kid and he’s going to play somewhere I think and he’s going to get another opportunity."

Based on Caldwell's comments, it doesn't sound like Brewster will even be a candidate to come back if anything happens.

One of the more interesting developments revolved around offensive lineman Tyler Shatley, who initially the team planned to release and add to their practice squad, but it sounds like the coaching staff fought to keep him on the roster. It also appears that when word got out Shatley could be cut, there were a handful of teams interested in claiming him.

"There were some initial inquiries about (trading), and nothing firm. I got some other calls, just to find out some character stuff on him and to see if he’s healthy and stuff like that," Caldwell said about Shatley. "Those were obviously some red flags. Gus and I spent a lot of time last night just about it talking philosophically and talked to (Offensive Line Coach) Luke Butkus and Luke was dire that he did not want to lose him."

Caldwell gave fans some good news on the wide receiver front however, as second-round pick Allen Robinson is expected to be available on a limited basis for the Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I think A-Rob will be ready on a limited basis," Caldwell said when asked about the rookies status. "He’s not going to go out there and run 70-80 plays, we don’t think. We’ll see how he practices this week, but he should be ready for a good package, a good amount of playing time. That’s four (wide receivers) on game day."

The Jaguars can begin claiming players at noon on Sunday, as well as signing players to their practice squad. Caldwell noted that they would likely look outside who the team had at training camp and in the preseason for some of their practice squad players. Caldwell also said the team would be claiming some players on Sunday, but it wouldn't be near the volume it was last season.

If I had to guess, I would think the Jaguars look at the tight end position, maybe inside linebacker and interior offensive line for the waiver wire. Two interesting players who were released are, shockingly, Seattle Seahawks defenders. Both LEO/LB Benson Mayowa and LB Korey Toomer were released and both could be potential waiver claims. Though, it's tough to see where the team would cut to make room for a player like Mayowa, who's not a traditional linebacker. Another interesting name is running back Lache Seastrunk, who was cut by Washington, but I'm not sure if the team would cut either Storm Johnson or Jordan Todman to make that move. Seastrunk can return kicks, however.