JACKSONVILLE – Paul Posluszny's status Friday remained the same as throughout the week:
Uncertain . . .
But still a chance.
Posluszny, the Jaguars' starting middle linebacker and leading tackler, was one of four players missing practice Friday. While he was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report Friday, Head Coach Gus Bradley said there remains a chance he could play Sunday.
"We'll see how Paul feels tomorrow," Bradley said as the Jaguars (1-8) prepared to play the Arizona Cardinals (5-4) at EverBank Field Sunday at 1 p.m.
Posluszny, named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Tennessee last week, sustained a concussion with 2:11 remaining in that game.
He hasn't practiced this week, but Bradley said he has improved and could be cleared to play if he passes protocol Saturday. He said Saturday likely would be the final day Poslusnzy could pass the test and still play Sunday.
"I told him, 'Just continue to compete and try to get better in that area,'" Bradley said.
Posluszny hasn't missed a game since joining the Jaguars before the 2011 season.
If Posluszny can't play, five-year veteran Russell Allen would start at middle linebacker with rookie John Lotulelei – a waiver-wire acquisition from Seattle earlier this season – starting for Allen at outside linebacker.
"Fortunately, we've had all week of practice with Russell in there, and he's done a nice job this whole week," Bradley said.
Allen played the final two minutes in the middle after Posluszny's injury last week, and if he plays middle, he would also assume Posluszny's defensive play-calling role.
"He was thrown into a tougher situation last week with a limited amount of reps," Bradley said. "This week, he got multiple reps. … That's one way Russell is so important to us – the flexibility to play multiple positions. It's been a good thing for Russell. In my conversations with him, it seems making the calls, setting the fronts – it keeps him focused.
"He'll have a great opportunity if it should work out that way."
Lotulelei moved from weak-side to strong-side linebacker last week and played 10 plays there in place of Allen against Tennessee.
While Posluszny was listed as questionable, left guard Will Rackley – after practicing limited Wednesday and Thursday – missed practice Friday with a head injury and is listed as doubtful. Wide receiver Stephen Burton was ruled out with a concussion and wide receiver Stephen Williams was ruled out with a lingering Achilles issue.
If Rackley doesn't play, second-year veteran Mike Brewster would start in his place at left guard.
"You just have to stay ready and prepare," Brewster said. "It's just like every week: You prepare and get ready to play."
Also Friday:
*Bradley said Winston Guy and Josh Evans will rotate again at free safety this week. Evans has started the last six games, but Guy played 27 snaps last week with Evans playing 49. Bradley said there could be scenarios Sunday when Guy and Evans play at the same time – possibly in some three-safety looks with Johnathan Cyprien also on the field.
*Bradley said Will Blackmon will continue to get time at nickel back along with Mike Harris. Blackmon, a started from Week Two through Week Eight until rookie Dwayne Gratz returned to the starting lineup, moved to nickel last week and clinched the victory with a sack/strip/touchdown in the fourth quarter.
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