Defensive end Reggie Hayward returned to practice on Monday and Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio reported that Hayward "continues to progress" in his recovery from a training camp hamstring injury that sidelined Hayward in the first two preseason games.
If Hayward's recovery continues without setback, he is likely to play in this Saturday's preseason game in Tampa. Hayward's return to action helps bolster the depleted defensive end position, which could also see Jeremy Mincey return to action soon.
Mincey has been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp, due to a wrist injury sustained late in spring OTAs. Mincey underwent wrist surgery.
Another player on PUP with a wrist injury, safety Chad Nkang, also received a favorable medical report on Monday and Del Rio said Mincey and Nkang are likely to return for the start of the regular season.
In two other medical updates, cornerback Scott Starks is day to day with a pectoral strain he sustained last week and which kept him out of Saturday's loss to Miami, and cornerback/kick-returner Brian Witherspoon was expected to return to practice on Wednesday after missing Monday's workout with a minor ankle sprain.
