With the Jaguars over the salary cap heading into 2019, the assumption is the team will be forced to cut several veterans and their contracts this off-season.
But the cuts have already begun with three games to still to play.
The Jaguars released veteran safety Barry Church Friday among a slew of other roster moves. The nine-year pro had not appeared in the last two games after being supplanted in the starting line-up by rookie Ronnie Harrison. By moving on from Church, who signed a four-year, $26 million contract in March 2017, the Jaguars will save $6.25 million next year.
In two seasons in Jacksonville, Church started 27 games, tallying five interceptions and 110 tackles.
The team also released tight end Niles Paul.
Additionally, the Jaguars placed offensive lineman Josh Walker (ankle) and linebacker Leon Jacobs (quad) on Injured Reserve. Fellow offensive lineman Josh Wells was activated off IR and is expected to play Sunday against the Redskins in place of Jeremy Parnell (knee). Parnell was one of two players ruled out for Sunday's contest.
With kicker Josh Lambo questionable for Sunday with a groin injury, the Jaguars also signed kicker Kai Forbath Friday morning in case Lambo cannot go against Washington.
The Jaguars (4-9) host the Redskins (6-7) Sunday at 1 p.m.
