The Jaguars Must Decide Who Goes After Addition of Dante Fowler on Monday

The Jacksonville Jaguars must decide on Tuesday who they will release now that defensive end Dante Fowler has rejoined the roster.

If Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone didn’t like the final week of the preseason because of impending roster cuts, the last 48 hours might have been tough as well.

With the return of Dante Fowler from a one-game suspension to the active roster, Marrone and his staff must make the decision of who be released. Jacksonville had another opportunity to look at “bubble” players during the 20-15 win over the New York Giants. They also had seven healthy scratches for the game Sunday, which means one of those players could be looking for work later tonight.

When asked about the team’s decision, Marrone told the media when he met with them on Monday, a decision will be made based on what he and his staff have discussed.

"“We have discussed it and we will probably come out with it when we have to tomorrow at four o’clock,” he said."

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways

Based on roster depth and how the coaches stacked its offensive and defensive units (25 for each),  solid players who could find work with another team could be sweating out the next few hours.

Here are four players who may be in jeopardy of being released later today.

Rashad Greene

The wide receiver had a solid training camp. He was a healthy scratch on Sunday. The most telling sign about Rashad Greene’s status might have been when Jaydon Mickens was held out of the fourth game of the preseason.

Mickens will serve as Jacksonville’s primary punt returner. Keeping six pass catchers is a risky move when there is depth needed at linebacker and possibly linebacker. Greene may not have made the roster if Marqise Lee wasn’t hurt in the preseason.

Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett was finally able to stay healthy, which is something he has had issues with the past few seasons. The team likes his size and strength, but the defensive line is all about numbers.

There are questions about his size as he is a three-technique player. The Jaguars have a solid rotation of defensive lineman. He too was a healthy scratch on Sunday. And while he looked good in training camp, when given the opportunity to play in the preseason, his work did not stand out above anyone else.

Dawuane Smoot

Dawuane Smoot is a former third-round draft pick from last season, but injuries have derailed him this preseason.

There is a log-jam at defensive end with Fowler’s return. You hate to give up on a high draft pick, but he has not shown much when given a chance.

A week ago, I thought Smoot was the likely choice of the staff, but I am now undecided. If Fowler comes back and has a monster season in possibly his final year in Jacksonville, that means there is less playing time for Smoot.

Chris Reed

The Jaguars kept 10 offensive linemen. That’s a big number for an NFL team, but it speaks to the commitment this organization has to run the football.

Chris Reed has been on and off the main roster and the addition of Josh Walker this offseason could make it difficult to keep him. Walker is also a candidate to be released. There are other areas on this roster that need more depth. Releasing an interior lineman might make the most sense.