JACKSONVILLE – Doug Marrone likes the results so far.
Players seem to agree.
That was the Jaguars' head coach's assessment of his approach early in 2019 Training Camp, which has been revamped in an effort to reduce injuries and increase players' readiness for the early part of the regular season.
"Everything's trending for us in the right direction," Marrone said. "Everyone's doing a good job. Everyone's working hard to ensure we're getting through these tough days to the regular season feeling really good."
Marrone in that vein said the Jaguars were cautious Thursday with three veteran players: defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and center Brandon Linder. All three were held out of practice Thursday, though Marrone said all easily could have practiced Thursday.
"I don't want to turn a soreness into an injury," Marrone said. "All three are obviously players we're relying on for the season, and all three of those players have performed very well in camp since they've been here."
Marrone on Thursday also provided updates on several other players:
*Running back Thomas Rawls (hamstring soreness) and cornerback A.J. Bouye (hamstring soreness) both remained on the side of practice. "Those guys are getting close," Marrone said.
*Rookie tight end Michael Colubiale reported concussion symptoms following Wednesday's practice and is in the concussion protocol; he likely won't make the trip to Baltimore next week for a pair of joint practices and the preseason opener, Marrone said.
*Wide receiver Marqise Lee and left tackle Cam Robinson – both of whom have been on the physically unable to perform list with knee injuries since the beginning of training camp – both are also getting close to returning, Marrone said. "Hopefully, we'll have some news next week for those guys for you," Marrone said. Marrone said linebacker Jake Ryan, who has been on the reserve/non-football injury list with a knee injury since the start of camp, is just behind Robinson and Lee in terms of a return.
Marrone said one reason for the training camp approach is that the Jaguars have three games in 17 days to start the regular season – Kansas City, Houston and Tennessee – because of a Thursday night Week 3 game against the Titans.
"That's why I think you'll see a little more caution," Marrone said.
