First off the field: A scrap – and an ejection

Aug 18, 2016 at 06:52 AM

JACKSONVILLE – With a few exceptions, Jaguars-Bucs practices this week were calm.

One exception on Thursday was notable, though, with Jaguars second-year defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. thrown out of practice after being involved in a late-practice altercation.

Fowler struck Buccaneers offensive guard Ali Marpet in the helmet with his fist during a pass-rushing drill. Jaguars defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks and rookie defensive end Yannick Ngakoue quickly rushed to separate the two.

Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said assistants told him Fowler had been ejected.

"Our deal was, 'No fighting, no swinging, no anything like that …'''Bradley said following a two-and-half-hour practice in 92-degree temperatures that felt like 101 at the practice fields adjacent to EverBank Field.

"You want to play at a frenzy. It's finding that place where you're playing at a high level, high intensity, but you're playing within the rules."

Fowler, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, had left practice briefly earlier. Trainers adjusted the brace he wears to protect the knee on which he underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery during the 2015 offseason.

Fowler, who was involved in altercations in practice last week, did not address the media after practice.

"They want to win and we want to win," Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson said. "Things kind of crossed the line. We have to protect Dante and they have to protect their guy. It is what it is. Things got a little chippy, but it's OK."

The teams worked in shoulder pads, shorts and helmets after working in full pads on the first day of the two-day joint session. The teams will play a preseason game at EverBank Field Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Both Bradley and Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter said the sessions were productive, with Koetter saying he hopes the teams will hold a similar session next year in Tampa.

"It was a really, really good two days for us," Bradley said. "I think we found out just where we're at, areas we need to work on."

ESPN's SportsCenter broadcast live from practice, with John Buccigross, Ron Jaworski, Sal Paolantonio and Josina Anderson on hand. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and Bradley both appeared live on the SportsCenter set.

BACK AT IT

Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns returned to practice Thursday, as did wide receiver Bryan Walters and offensive lineman Kadeem Edwards. Edwards had been out with an ankle injury and Walters left practice late in Wednesday's session.

Hurns missed Wednesday's session but had been expected to return Thursday.

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INJURY REPORT

Safety James Sample (shoulder) remained out of practice Thursday along with offensive tackle Josh Wells (thumb), defensive tackle Sheldon Day (back) and defensive tackle Michael Bennett (hip).

The following Jaguars players had planned days off: wide receiver Allen Robinson, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, running back Chris Ivory, middle linebacker Paul Posluszny, tight end Marcedes Lewis and defensive tackle Roy Miller III.

Also, Bradley said offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum has taken more reps in recent days as he returns from a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in Week 6 last season with Pittsburgh. He isn't expected to play Saturday.

PLAY OF THE DAY

While Fowler's altercation stood out, the highlight section of practice for the Jaguars Thursday came during red-zone drills. Following what Bradley said was a slow start in the two-minute period of practice, the Jaguars' offense played well during the period with Bortles throwing four touchdown passes and backup Chad Henne throwing another.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee had a second consecutive good practice, getting open and catching consistently on short routes. …

*Bortles threw touchdown passes to tight end Ben Koyack, wide receiver Rashad Lawrence, Walters and tight end Braedon Bowman during red zone. …

*Bortles also had a long completion to tight end Julius Thomas down the seam in 11-on-11 later in practice. …

*Bortles had first-down completions to Hurns and to running back T.J. Yeldon in two minute. …

*Yeldon had a long run through the middle late in practice. …

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