Jaguars Injuries: Key Contributors Easing Back Into Lineup

During the final preseason game for the Jaguars, starting right guard, Uche Nwaneri, went down with an ankle injury and did not re-enter the game. Speaking to the media after practice on Monday, head coach Mike Mularkey revealed that the guard suffered a sprained right ankle during the game, but he is hopeful for a return to practice on Wednesday for Nwaneri.

"Uche (Nwaneri) we gave him this day to rest," Mularkey said. "He will have a full blown out treatment tomorrow. We're hoping to get him back Wednesday. That's kind of the plan as we speak. If that's not the case we can work with (Mike) Brewster in there or (Josh) Beekman either one. We are planning on Uche (Nwaneri) being back."

Also injured during training camp and the preseason were some major contributors, including Derek Cox, Daryl Smith and Montell Owens.

Owens, received the same prognosis as Nwaneri after missing the entire final preseason game with a knee injury. "Same with Montell (Owens)." We really gave him another day to get himself healthier," Mularkey said. "I would anticipate hopefully both of them back on Wednesday."

One player that won't be back in time for the Jaguars season opener against the Minnesota Vikings will be starting cornerback Derek Cox. While he did participate some during Monday's practice in defensive back drills, Mularkey downplayed the possibility of Cox seeing the field on Sunday replying "probably not" when asked if he'll play.

Daryl Smith, though, is expected to play on Sunday after a groin injury that hampered most of his August and withheld the team captain from all four of the preseason games. "I think he got a pretty good dose of reps today and he will probably continue to go as the week goes on," Mularkey said.

The first injury report of the season will be released by the team on Wednesday with practice participation notes.