Marqise Lee returned to Jaguars practice on Saturday

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that wide receiver Marqise Lee has come off the PUP list and returned to practice on Saturday.

It’s been a long time since the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff has seen Marqise Lee on a practice field in pads taking part of receiving drills.

Almost a year to the day to be exact. The sixth-year wide receiver, who has the most tenure of any pass catcher on the roster came off the PUP list (physically unable to perform) and did participate with his teammates ahead of the Jaguars game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.

The news of Lee’s return comes days after Cam Robinson was removed from the PUP list and returned to practice ahead of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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From a competition standpoint, the wide receiver room just got a bit more cramped and the opportunities for players trying to make the roster who were on the bubble or just a camp body just became more difficult.

Lee, who suffered a horrific knee injury in the fourth preseason game of last season against the Atlanta Falcons has been listed as a starter on the team’s depth chart from the moment it was released. Whether that becomes a reality isn’t officially known, but just having him back running routes should give head coach Doug Marrone, offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, and receivers coach Keenan McCardell reason for more hope with this offense.

Marrone addressed the media on Saturday following Jacksonville’s 24-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, stating starters will play in the game, but he did not know for how long they will see action. Having Lee on the field is a boost to the roster.

"“Kind of what we talked about before, going through a normal week. Except for today, today is just like a bonus day, just going to get out there and run around a little bit and get some work done, but it’s not part of the normal week that we’ll have during the season. I think a couple of things that you’re going to see: some of the guys that have been out will be back; Marqise Lee is going to be off PUP [Physically unable to perform list], so he’ll be out practicing today,” Marrone said.“We’re bringing him along, and then some of the linemen will be out there practicing and progressing, so that’s good. Then, I think as far as playing time, we’ll see how the week goes. Like I said before, if they’re healthy, I’m planning on playing those guys, so there’s other things that can happen that can change, so I’m not going to hold myself to it, but that’s what I’m trying to get done.”"

Lee has 171 catches for 2,166 yards and eight touchdowns. He has dealt with a history of injuries since coming into the league as a second-round draft pick in 2014. He, Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley, and DJ Chark figure to be the four top pass catchers on the roster. Terrell Pryor and Keelan Cole are fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation and a slew of other players looking to make a lasting impression as either special teams additions or practice squad members.

It is not known yet if the Jaguars coaching staff plans to keep five or six wide receivers on their 53-man roster this season.