Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis Working His Way Back In

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis is still working back from an ACL injury that ended his 2011 season early. Mathis played in passing downs in nickel situations against the Minnesota Vikings but saw his snaps increase against the the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Mathis played 40 snaps on Sunday, compared to his 20 snaps against the Vikings. Not only did Mathis' snaps increase, but as did his role as he was in on some of the Jaguars base defensive packages instead of just in nickel packages.

"The knee has responded well to everything," Mathis told the Florida Times-Union on Monday. "Not setbacks, which is great. I played more plays than I did the previous game so it's a positive."

The Jaguars allowed Matt Schaub to throw for 195 yards on Sunday, which was mostly done on check downs and screens, as Schaub attempted just four passes over 10 yards down the field. With Mathis working back into the lineup, it can help somewhat shore up a back seven that has struggled with injuries so far into the 2012 season.

There wasn't much to celebrate during the game, but this is a situation fans can look forward to.