Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Joel Smeenge was placed on injured reserve today with a broken jaw. Defensive tackle Andre Davis had his practice squad contract terminated and was added to the active roster to replace Smeenge.
The 28-year-old Smeenge will miss the Jaguars' final six games this season. He suffered the injury in the first half of Sunday's 30-27 win against the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to being injured, Smeenge got his fifth sack of the season when he sacked Ravens quarterback Vinny Testaverde and forced a fumble early in the second quarter. The sack represented a career-high for Smeenge, who led the Jaguars in sacks last season with four and is currently second on the team behind Clyde Simmons.
Smeenge is in his seventh NFL season, including his first five with the New Orleans Saints. He joined the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent on February 28, 1995. Last year Smeenge started all 15 games in which he played, and this season he was one of only four defensive players to start each of the first 10 games.
Davis, 6-3 and 330 pounds, joined the Jaguars' practice squad on August 27. An undrafted rookie this year, Davis spent training camp and the preseason with the St. Louis Rams after signing as a free agent from Southern University on July 25. He was waived by the Rams on August 19. The 21-year-old Davis is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
SPORTS EDITORS/SPORTS DIRECTORS NOTE: Telephone conference calls with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak and head coach Bill Cowher will take place on Wednesday at 12:10 and 12:30 p.m., respectively, in the Jaguars press room.
