Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon hasn’t started a game in nearly two years
Justin Blackmon Jerseys Stitched , a frustrating stretch that forced him to work harder and be more patient.He always felt like he would get another shot. He
didn’t expect it to be this week.
because of a strained right hamstring, Yeldon is getting the majority of
practice repetitions and preparing to carry the load Sunday against the New
England Patriots (1-0).“Whenever my number is called, I’ll always be ready to
get into a rhythm and go,” Yeldon said. “I really don’t have a problem with
that.”More Jacksonville Jaguars newsJaguars expect DE Yannick Ngakoue’s holdout
to be short-livedJaguars rookie safety Zedrick Woods submits retirement
paperworkJalen Ramsey says Jaguars don’t plan to give him contract extension
this seasonJaguars sign former UCF running back Taj McGowan for added
depthJaguars QB Nick Foles to miss OTAs for undisclosed ‘personal reason’While
many outsiders believe there’s a huge drop-off from Fournette to Yeldon, the
Jaguars (1-0) insist there’s only a marginal difference between the two. It’s a
big reason the old-school, run-first team kept only three running backs —
Fournette, Yeldon and change-of-pace speedster Corey Grant — on the 53-man
roster.Fournette tweaked his hamstring in the first half of Jacksonville’s
season opener at the New York Giants. He sat out practice Wednesday
Youth Logan Cooke Jerseys , and coach Doug Marrone said the plan is for him to do the same Thursday.Marrone said Fournette will go through tests Friday to see whether
he’s able to play in a rematch of the AFC championship game.Jacksonville is
likely to be cautious with Fournette, the centerpiece of the team’s offense. The
fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, Fournette ran for 1,040 yards and
nine touchdowns last season. He also caught 36 passes for 302 yards and a
score.Fournette ran nine times for 41 yards against the Giants. Yeldon had 51
yards on 14 carries and caught three passes for 18 yards, including a 4-yard
touchdown late in the second quarter.Marrone praised Yeldon for the strides he’s
made.“He has always been good,” Marrone said. “I think he is more explosive.
He’s stronger. He’s elusive. I think he can carry a load of carries. I just
think he has done a nice job. I really do.”Yeldon has reason to take advantage
of his opportunities. A second-round pick from Alabama in 2015, Yeldon is in the
final year of his $5.9 million rookie contract.Jacksonville is prepared to lose
Yeldon in 2019 free agency
Logan Cooke Jerseys Stitched , believing another team will be able to offer him a starting job or at least more carries.Yeldon said he’s “not too much worried
about that,” adding “it’ll play itself out.” But he’s clearly planning for the
future. He dropped weight in the offseason, getting below 220 pounds for the
first time since his college days, and hopes to show he’s a three-down back.“I
feel better, lighter, quicker, faster
Youth Abry Jones Jerseys , more explosive,” he said. “I feel like it makes a big difference. I can cut better. I’m doing a lot of things better. I feel more
comfortable this way.”The Jaguars hope it shows on the field. With Fournette
uncertain to play, Yeldon could end up in a featured role.It’s a spot he didn’t
expect. It’s also a position coaches and teammates say he can handle and prove
to doubters there’s not much of a dip from Fournette.“That’s their fault,”
receiver Keelan Cole said. “That’s on them. If they want to think that, just
tell them to tune into the game.” The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without Pro
Bowl cornerback A.J. Bouye against Philadelphia in London on Sunday.The Jaguars
(3-4) ruled Bouye out Thursday, saying he did not make the overseas trip. The
team also will be without backup cornerback Tyler Patmon because of a neck
injury. Patmon also remained in Jacksonville.Cornerback D.J. Hayden (toe) made
the flight, but he’s unlikely to play because of a lingering toe injury. Hayden
has missed five consecutive games and hasn’t practiced since Sept. 21.Bouye
missed practice Thursday after sustaining a calf injury in drills the day
before.Without them
Abry Jones Jerseys Stitched , the Jaguars will have three undrafted rookie cornerbacks to play alongside All-Pro Jalen Ramsey.Tre’ Herndon or fellow undrafted rookie
Quenton Meeks is expected to start, and newly signed Dee Delaney will serve as a
backup. Meeks started the season on the practice squad, and Delaney was promoted
to the 53-man roster Thursday. The team placed linebacker Donald Payne (knee) on
IR.“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” said Meeks, a former starter at
Stanford. “It’s a chance to fill in for A.J. I’m just trying to fill in and do
my job until he gets back healthy and everything like that. I have to step in
and do what I have to do. I’m just preparing like I would all the time. I’ve
worked my whole life for this.”Meeks is the son of former Indianapolis Colts
defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, who coached in the NFL between 1991 and
2012.
