Just one day before the Jacksonville Jaguars began their on-field work in training camp, they announced that a potential breakout candidate will miss time.
The Jags announced on their official social media account that they've placed sophomore Maason Smith on the Physically Unable to Perform list. As of this writing, they haven't given a reason for the decision, but they can activate him when they see fit. For the time being, Jacksonville could use his roster spot to kick the tires on another player ahead of the preseason.
If Smith remains on PUP to start the season, he'll have to sit out at least six games, per league rules. Then again, it doesn't look like there's a reason to think the former LSU Tiger won't return in time for the opener.
A second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Smith got off to a slow start to his rookie campaign but eventually turned the corner and finished his rookie season strong, tallying 11 total pressures and two sacks in the last six games.
Expected to pick up where he left off last year, Smith will miss valuable reps in training camp. Now, there's a chance that he team is keeping him away from the football field as a cautionary measure. After all, the Louisiana native tore his ACL in 2021 and dealt with an ankle injury last season. The last thing the team's brass wants is to press him into action if he's not 100 percent.
Rookies reported for training camp on July 17. Veterans arrived on the 22nd, and the team will begin on-field work on the 23rd.
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It's not time for the Jaguars to worry about Maason Smith
All injuries are different, and their recovery can vary depending on several factors. That said, nothing currently indicates that Maason Smith will miss time in the regular season. For the time being, it's the next man up, and the Jacksonville Jaguars have several options to potentially replace the sophomore defensive tackle.
Fellow 2024 draft pick Jordan Jefferson got a bit of playing time last year and could get extra reps in training camp. The team's brass will surely want to give him a look and see what they have in him. On the other hand, veteran DaVon Hamilton will be Smith's immediate replacement, and he's no slouch.
Granted, Ham doesn't have nearly as much upside as Smith but was a dependable starter before he suffered a non-football back injury in 2023. He's two years removed from the injury and should be back to his former self. The two could fill in for Smith while he's away.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars are starting off training camp on the wrong foot, but they have the depth in place to overcome Maason Smith's absence.