JACKSONVILLE – Getting healthier doesn't mean being 100 percent. At least not yet.
That remains the case for the Jaguars, who will enter Sunday's AFC South game in Indianapolis with a slew of players returning from injury – and a slew of players still out.
The last group includes right guard Brandon Linder and wide receiver Marqise Lee, two players who on Friday were ruled out for Sunday's game against the Colts after their statuses were uncertain throughout the week.
Bradley said the team has yet to decide on a starting right guard, though rookie A.J. Cann took extensive reps at the position this week.
Second-year veteran Tyler Shatley also could play the position.
"They both have gotten reps there," Bradley said as the Jaguars (1-2) prepared to play the Colts (1-2) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sunday at 1 p.m.
Bradley said Cann, a third-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, from South Carolina, has practiced well since the regular season began.
"(We're) very pleased with how he's picked things up and how he goes about it," Bradley said, noting that Cann started 51 of a possible 52 games at South Carolina. "Here's a guy that started a lot of games in college. If it ends up being A.J., he's been in that role before – albeit it's the NFL."
Bradley said coaches could decide on a starter sometime Friday.
Cann worked mostly at left guard during training camp and early in the regular season, competing there with veteran Zane Beadles. He worked extensively at right guard this week for the first time, though Bradley said this week Cann's physicality and size fits the right guard role.
"I feel I can do a decent job on both sides," Cann said Friday, "but when I've gone to the right the past couple of weeks, I have felt good."
Lee and Linder were among five Jaguars players ruled out for Sunday.
Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks (knee), tight end Julius Thomas (hand) and running back Denard Robinson (knee) also were ruled out. Marks and Thomas have not played this season and Robinson missed last week's loss to the Patriots.
Linder and Lee each played against the Patriots, with Linder playing through a shoulder injury he had sustained in practice the week before. Lee left the Patriots game with a hamstring issue that kept him out of much of training camp, preseason and the regular-season opener.
Bradley called Lee's continued issues "a frustrating deal," and said the receiver has had a setback. Bradley said the team is trying to figure out whether to rest Lee for an extended period with the idea of having him available for a long period afterward.
"We were trying to find a way to get him to Sunday but it didn't work out that way," Bradley said. "We're getting our heads together and trying to figure out a way and what's best for him.
"These are legitimate injuries. They show up and you see them so it's a matter of how do we get him back to where he's healthy for long periods of time? That's kind of the discussion now."
Bradley said he was unsure how long Lee might be out.
"I think we really need to take a look at it and see what would be the benefit of some time," Bradley said. "I think that's what we're looking at right now and that time could be a couple of days to a week to what would be the benefits of him resting it and just seeing the extent of it."
Lee said while he was frustrated – and while he believes it's possible he could play Sunday – he and team trainers also want to focus on his long-term availability.
"It's frustrating," Lee said. "You always want to be out there doing your job. At the end of the day, your health is very important. You want to get right before you come back and do the things you need to do. I don't want to come in every day with a negative mindset. I don't think that will help me any faster. I feel like that would make it even worse.
"I'm not out for the season. Yeah, I want to be out there playing, but I'm not out for the season. I have time. We're just doing the right things right now."
The Jaguars released their final injury report of the week Friday, with guard Zane Beadles (finger), defensive tackle Roy Miller (knee), cornerback Davon House (lower leg), wide receiver Allen Hurns (thigh), safety Josh Evans (knee) and guard Tyler Shatley (thumb) listed as probable.
Defensive end Chris Clemons had an off day for rest purposes, but he – like the other players listed as probable – is expected to play Sunday.
With House and Evans probable – and with safety Johnathan Cyprien practicing full throughout the week after missing two games with a calf injury – the Jaguars have a chance to have most of their secondary available.
Free safety Sergio Brown is doubtful with a calf injury, but the other members of the secondary who missed or left a loss to the Patriots Sunday – Evans, Cyprien, cornerback Dwayne Gratz (ankle) and Brown – are all probable or full.
"It's a very good sign," Bradley said.
Also on Friday, Bradley said rookie cornerback Nick Marshall will return punts Sunday with veteran wide receiver Bryan Walters also a possibility for the role.
Bradley said he was pleased with practice Friday for a third consecutive day.
"The challenge was to bring it all together today," Bradley, adding that the Jaguars were mentally strong Friday. "The guys were really sharp – really, this whole week has been a good week for us and (we're) excited about what's about to take place."
