JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars moved toward being healthy Wednesday.
And while it was a step and not a full stride, three front-line players – Marqise Lee, Julius Thomas and Sen'Derrick Marks – working for the first time in a long time was not insignificant.
Lee, a second-year wide receiver who has been out the last six weeks, practiced on a limited basis at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields Wednesday. That was his most extensive work since sustaining a hamstring injury three days into training camp.
"It was very good to see him out there," Head Coach Gus Bradley said as the Jaguars (0-1) prepared to play the Miami Dolphins (1-0) at EverBank Field Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
"He ran well, and the different things we had him doing just to test some things out – the group work – he did very well in."
Lee took team repetitions and worked in pads Wednesday. He was listed as limited because he took fewer repetitions than he would had he been full.
"His reps were spread throughout practice," Bradley said, adding that if Lee responds well Thursday morning he could get more repetitions in practice Thursday afternoon.
Bradley said Lee could play Sunday.
"I'm very excited," Lee said. "Just to have the opportunity to go out there and help the wideouts is big for me. I always want to go out there and run full-speed, 24/7, but my main focus is to take my time and gradually get warmed up before I go out and fully sprint.
"I want to take the right protocol and make sure I have no injuries going forward."
Marks, a veteran defensive tackle, and Thomas – a tight end who signed with the Jaguars as a free agent this past offseason – also returned to practice on a limited basis.
Marks worked for the first time since sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the 2014 regular-season finale. He underwent reconstructive surgery in August and spent training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
Thomas, the team's most high-profiled unrestricted free agent signee this past offseason, also worked on a limited basis Wednesday. He did mostly conditioning work on the side and Bradley said he will be evaluated in two weeks.
Bradley called Thomas "on schedule," but said he wasn't sure of a timetable for Thomas' return. He sustained the injury in Week 1 of the preseason.
"We're waiting to see what we find out in the second evaluation," Bradley said.
The Jaguars also released their first injury report of the week Wednesday.
Left tackle Luke Joeckel (ankle) did not practice, nor did safety Johnathan Cyprien (calf/finger), defensive end Andre Branch (knee), running back Toby Gerhart (abdomen) and linebacker Thurston Armbrister (back). Safety Josh Evans missed Wednesday practice with an illness.
Joeckel said decisions on the status of Joeckel and Cyprien will be made later in the week. Cyprien played through the hand situation Sunday, but sustained the calf injury in the game.
Listed as working limited were Rashad Greene (back), Lee, Marks and Thomas, with cornerback Aaron Colvin (shoulder), wide receiver Allen Robinson (knee) and running back T.J. Yeldon (knee) full. Greene took full repetitions while wearing a red, non-contact jersey.
Cornerback Dwayne Gratz was listed as practicing limited after sustaining an ankle injury Wednesday in practice.
Branch is not expected to play for several more weeks with the injury he sustained in preseason. Colvin is expected to try to play through the shoulder issue, and he confirmed that on Wednesday.
"That's the plan," Colvin said. "It's more mental than anything, so once I get around I'll be straight."
