Meester will undergo surgery on Wednesday. Head coach Jack Del Rio held out hope on Tuesday morning that Meester could return to action after the Jaguars’ bye week (Sept. 30).
Dennis Norman will replace Meester at center. Norman started the final five games of the 2005 season, including a postseason game, when Meester was lost to a torn biceps tendon. Norman was judged to have played well in Meester’s stead and the Jaguars signed Norman to a long-term contract in Feb. of ’06.
“You always want to play, so I just have to show what I can do,” Norman said of what is likely to become the most playing time he’s enjoyed in his seven-year career.
“I like the organization. Jack (Del Rio) is a great coach. It just felt good to stay here,” Norman said when asked why he didn’t sign with another team following his performance late in the ’05 season.
“Every year you come in and try to start. It’s the ultimate goal. I had to wait three or four years before I even got a chance to get on the field. You have to keep the faith,” Norman said.
The Jaguars are putting their faith in the initial diagnosis of Meester’s injury.