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JACKSONVILLE – A little preparation began Tuesday, and the heat?
That remained in a big, stifling way.
The Jaguars went through a sticky, full-padded practice on Day 10 of 2015 Training Camp Tuesday, a practice that featured several players resting injuries – and one that featured the slightest preparations for Friday's 2015 preseason opener.
The Jaguars will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener at EverBank Field Friday.
"It was another good, challenging practice," Head Coach Gus Bradley said early Tuesday afternoon after the Jaguars worked for about two hours, 15 minutes in 90-degree temperatures at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness practice fields.
"We introduced a little bit of Pittsburgh. This is going to be a lot of a 'rules' game for us where we just follow our rules. We're looking for a lot of energy with guys playing hard and fast. But we did want to take a look at some things they do so our guys will have some semblance of what they're about."
Bradley said a decision on playing time against Pittsburgh has yet to be made, adding that coaches will discuss that Wednesday evening.
"You'll probably see us be more cautious with our guys right now," Bradley said. "Their health is No. 1."
Wide receiver Allen Robinson and tight end Marcedes Lewis were given veterans days off Tuesday, with defensive end Jared Odrick and defensive tackle Roy Miller resting knee injuries. Miller underwent knee surgery in the offseason and Odrick has rested the knee much of the last week.
Wide receiver Neal Sterling sat out practice with a hamstring injury, while cornerback Dwayne Gratz (calf) and cornerback Peyton Thompson (hamstring) remained out of practice.
Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon practiced in a red non-contact jersey for a second consecutive day after straining a finger in Saturday's scrimmage. Bradley said it's likely the team will be very cautious with Yeldon Friday.
"He said it felt better today, but he'd be one where we'd be cautious," Bradley said. "We would err on being more cautious."
Wide receiver Marqise Lee (hamstring) also remained out of practice and is not expected to play against Pittsburgh.
Bradley said the Jaguars reduced the number of plays a bit in practice Tuesday, but added that "the intensity was there."
The Jaguars will hold a walkthrough practice later Tuesday afternoon. They will practice again Wednesday at 9:55 a.m. The Wednesday morning practice is free and open to the public.
INJURY WATCH
Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks (knee) and safety James Sample (arm) remained on the Physically Unable to Perform list with defensive end Chris Clemons on the active non-football injury list. None is expected to play Friday. Rookie defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a torn anterior cruciate ligament shortly before the regular season.
PLAY OF THE DAY
The day wasn't stuffed with highlights, but Chris Reed provided something memorable in 11-on-11 work. A pass from backup quarterback Jeff Tuel was tipped into the air at the line. Reed, an undrafted rookie from Minnesota State, caught the pass and ran downfield for at least a first down and perhaps more. Hey, "Big Guy Touchdown!" Sort of.
HIGHLIGHTS
*Safety Craig Loston got some work with the starting unit Tuesday, something Bradley said the team is doing with several reserve players. …
*Luke Bowanko worked with the starting unit at center. He and Stefen Wisniewksi continue to rotate working with the starters, with a decision on the regular-season starter expected sometime around or before the third preseason game. …
*The running backs also continued to rotate, with Yeldon, Denard Robinson and Toby Gerhart splitting time with the first team. …
*Safety Johnathan Cyprien had a pass breakup in team work midway through practice, as did linebacker Telvin Smith. …
*Wide receiver Allen Hurns had a 20-yard reception on a pass from backup quarterback Chad Henne in 7-on-7 work midway through practice. Hurns had an intermediate reception from Henne later in practice. …
*Wide receiver Tony Washington continued to be impressive with several intermediate catches. …
*Rookie Rashad Greene caught a 20-yard pass from quarterback Stephen Morris …
