JACKSONVILLE – There were clouds, and clouds were a good thing.
But it was still hot as the Jaguars began 2018 Training Camp Thursday morning, with the defending AFC South champions working two-and-half hours in temperatures that began at 84 degrees and worked up to 87 by the end of practice.
The Jaguars worked without pads on Day 1 of '18 camp at the Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex, working in helmets and shorts. The first padded practice of '18 camp will be Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., a workout that is open to season-ticket holders.
Quarterback Blake Bortles was expected to speak with the media after practice, as was defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. It will be Bortles' first meeting with the media of '18 camp, and they will be Fowler's first public comments since the NFL announced he will be suspended for the '18 regular-season opener.
We'll have extensive coverage of the media availabilities of Bortles and Fowler on jaguars.com later Thursday.
Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone spoke to the media before practice Thursday. Coverage can be read here.
Here's a look at Day 1 practice:
STANDING OUT
*Bortles had a productive first day, showing good accuracy early and hitting intermediate routes to wide receivers Dede Westbrook, Marqise Lee, Keelan Cole and Donte Moncrief. …
*Second-year running back Leonard Fournette also looked good on Day 1, showing good quickness and speed on several runs and pass receptions. He had a 15-yard run around the right side late in practice. Fournette reportedly reported to camp at 223 pounds after playing in the 235-pound range last season. …
*Backup quarterback Cody Kessler has a solid stretch midway through practice, passing 40 yards to rookie wide receiver D.J. Chark Jr. Chark caught the pass close to the sideline for an impressive, athletic reception. …
*Wide receiver Jaydon Mickens had a long gain after catching a crossing route from third-team quarterback/rookie Tanner Lee midway through practice. …
*Tight end James O'Shaughnessy looked good on Day 1, catching several passes in traffic. …
PLAY OF THE DAY
This came from Bortles and Lee, with Lee getting open on a long post route in 7-on-7 drills midway through practice. Bortles hit Lee in stride for what would have been a 55-to-60-yard touchdown. The play showed Bortles' accuracy and confidence, which looked good in the on-field portion of the offseason program – a trend that appeared to carry over to Day 1 of training camp.
INJURY WATCH
Three players began '18 camp on the physically unable to perform list, with a fourth not participating on the reserve/non-football injury list.
Fowler was among the three players on PUP, with Marrone saying Wednesday the fourth-year defensive end will work on the side during early camp practice with a plan to return to practice when his shoulder strengthens. Tight end David Grinnage (knee) and offensive guard Brandon Thomas (knee) also have started camp on PUP.
Offensive tackle Brandon Smith is on the non-football injury list with what the team said is a minor injury.
NOTABLE
*As Marrone early Thursday morning said would be the case, fourth-year veteran A.J. Cann worked extensively at right guard in Day 1 practice. Cann entered camp atop the depth chart, but competition is expected. Center Brandon Linder, left guard Andrew Norwell and left tackle Cam Robinson also worked with the starters, with right tackle Jermey Parnell working with the starters along with William Poehls.
*Another position to watch: strong-side linebacker, where rookie Leon Jacobs and second-year veteran Blair Brown are competing. Jacobs, a seventh-round selection from the University of Wisconsin, was sharp in coverage on Thursday while working extensively with the starters.
