JACKSONVILLE – The pads were on, at last.
After weeks spent "ramping up" and meeting virtually – with a whole lot of walking through mixed in – the Jaguars on Monday practiced in full pads for the first time since the 2019 season.
Padded work is a different NFL level than non-padded work.
That difference was real on Monday.
"Just being back in full pads … it's something that we really have to get used to again," defensive end Josh Allen said. "We all have to get back in that football-in-pads shape."
Allen, the Jaguars' second-year defensive end/linebacker, spoke to the media via videoconference following Monday's practice in 87-degree temperatures at the Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex. NFL return-to-play policies after an offseason without on-field work because of COVID-19 limited the session to 90 minutes.
"Everything's a ramping-up type period," Marrone said. "We want to get used to it. We don't want to see people on the ground. We don't want to be leaving our feet."
The Jaguars went through multiple team sessions Monday, conducting a one-on-one pass rush and seven-on-seven period midway through practice. A highlight was the pass-rush drill, with Allen working one-on-one against both starting offensive tackles – left tackle Cam Robinson and right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
"I was waiting or today for a long time, so I could really work on a lot of moves with those guys," Allen said. "Those two, to me, are among the best. They're two different tackles. Jawaan is quick on his feet. Cam is a heavy guy. You can't work the same moves on both guys, so there were moves that I had in my head that I was going to work on each one of those. I got to use some of those moves today."
Allen, Marrone and newly signed defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan spoke to the media via videoconference Monday. Coverage of those availabilities can be seen on jaguars.com and Jaguars media channels throughout Monday.
Here's a look at Monday's practice:
PLAY OF THE DAY
Quarterback Gardner Minshew II continued to make big plays early in camp, continuing to show chemistry with third-year Pro Bowl wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. Minshew, a second-year veteran entering his first season as the full-time starter, connected with Chark multiple times early in practice. The biggest play for the tandem was also the biggest play in practice – a 50-yard completion for a touchdown down the right sideline, with Minshew placing the pass perfectly over the outstretched arm of a defender.
STANDING OUT
*Minshew also completed three impressive intermediate passes for third-year receiver Keelan Cole Monday including one pass in the middle of the field on which Cole made an impressive leaping reception. …
*Running back Leonard Fournette continued to run strong and quick early in camp, breaking off a long run in an early team drill. …
*Robinson appeared to win back-to-back reps against defensive end Dawuane Smoot in pass-rush drills. …
*Smoot later won a pair of repetitions rushing on offensive lineman Austen Pleasants. …
*Allen appeared to beat Taylor on an early pass-rush rep, then he beat left tackle Will Richardson to the inside with a spin move. …
*Left guard Andrew Norwell blocked defensive tackle Taven Bryan on back-to-back pass-rush reps. …
*Right guard A.J. Cann blocked defensive tackle Caraun Reid on back-to-back pass-rush reps. …
*Rookie right guard Ben Barth appeared to nicely win a pass-rush rep against Jernigan. …
INJURY WATCH
Second-year tight end Josh Oliver sustained a broken bone in his foot Sunday while running in a non-contact situation; Marrone said he will undergo surgery Tuesday. Linebacker Quincy Williams underwent successful surgery on a core muscle injury, Marrone said Monday. Rookie linebacker/defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson continues to work on the side with limited practice action because of a minor hamstring issue; Marrone said the hope is Chaisson will be back by the end of the week.
NOTABLE
*Weak-side linebacker Myles Jack missed practice Monday and was not at TIAA Bank Field after becoming ill Sunday night; Marrone said the illness does not appear to be COVID-19 related. …
*Linebacker/defensive end Aaron Lynch missed a second consecutive day with an excused absence for personal reasons. …
*Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue remains away from the team, not having signed the franchise tag the team placed on him this past offseason. Having not signed the tag means Ngakoue is not under contract and his absence therefore does not violate NFL rules. Ngakoue can either sign the tag and play for the Jaguars on a one-year deal or not play in the NFL this season. …
*Three players remain on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list: running back Ryquell Armstead, offensive lineman Tre'Vour Wallace-Simms and offensive lineman Ryan Pope. Reserve/COVID-19 is a new reserve category created by the NFL for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. …
