The Jacksonville Jaguars held their seventh two-a-day practice session today at Ferrell Fields, four days before their 1998 preseason opener.
On Tuesday, the team concentrated on four-minute offense, as well as goal-line and short-yardage. "Those were really good sessions," said head coach Tom Coughlin. "There was a lot of good hitting."
Five players missed both practices with injuries: LB Bryce Paup (groin), DT Kelvin Pritchett (hyperextended elbow), C Michael Cheever (back), DT Jose White (hamstring), TE Damon Jones (back) and DT Don Davey (knee), and S Donovin Darius (high groin) missed the afternoon session. However, MLB Tom McManus, RB Chris Parker, CB Deon Figures, FB Jason Lawson and G/OT Brian DeMarco (who had a wisdom tooth removed on Monday) returned to practice today.
"The depth has to come along," Coughlin commented. "You get some nicks this time of camp, and the younger guys have to show that they can handle pressure, perform and not make mental errrors. People are getting an opportunity to practice, but it's a question of being able to rely on our depth and being consistent."
The Jaguars will practice again at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday morning before resuming two-a-days on Thursday. The team will have a closed walk-through on Friday before leaving for Carolina that afternoon. They will play their preseason opener against the Panthers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Ericsson Stadium.
