Jerry Porter participated in practice on Monday for the first time since injuring his hamstring in May, giving rise to the question: Will Porter play in Sunday's season-opener in Tennessee?
"When we think he's ready, we'll get him on the active 45 and play him," Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said. "I don't have anything to add to that story. I'll let you know when he's ready to play."
The Jaguars began preparation for an opener that is especially important because it's against the Titans, one of the Jaguars' three AFC counterparts. The Titans defeated the Jaguars in Jacksonville in last season's opener.
"I remember last year. Last year is fresh on my memory. It's motivated me to prepare even more. How you guys dogged us after week one. That's what's driving me right now," linebacker Mike Peterson said.
"The AFC South is loaded. It's a very, very strong division," Del Rio said. "We start with all three in the first month of the season, so it's important that we start fast."
Cornerback Will James was added to the roster on Monday and safety Jamaal Fudge was released. That move may have been motivated by Scott Starks' injury.
"We think it improved our football team a little bit," Del Rio said of the addition of James, a seven-year veteran who had previously played under the name Will Peterson. He has since changed his name.
"It's time to get the real work going," defensive end Paul Spicer said. "When we come out on Sunday, we're going to bring our 'A' game."
Spicer blamed last year's loss to the Titans on not being ready.
"We weren't ready, they were and they kicked our tail. We better bring our 'A' game because Tennessee isn't going to back down," Spicer added.
Running back Fred Taylor apologized for the negative publicity he caused the team for an incident in Miami this past weekend. Taylor, however, made it clear he wasn't backing down, either.
"I want to apologize to the Weavers. Everybody knows my true character. It's not me vs. the cops. I felt like I was defending myself. I said one or two curse words I shouldn't. I still feel like I was doing the right thing for myself," Taylor said.
Taylor was out on the town in the wee hours of Sunday morning when he became involved with police. He was not arrested but was issued a summons Taylor said will not require that he appear at a hearing. "My attorney is handling all that," he said.
"It's a great reminder to be respectful with authority … and avoid silly things like that," said Del Rio, who added that Taylor will be on the list of team captains when it's announced.
Does Del Rio have a problem with Taylor being out so late?
"If it was Saturday night before the game, I'd be worried about it," Del Rio said.
Taylor said his wife allows him to have a night out once a week.
"Me and my wife have a compromise. It's just a getaway," he said of his trip to Miami. "I'm not going to say I should've been at home. People say it was four in the morning. I was in Miami, not Jacksonville.
"I thought I was defending myself and I thought I was in the right," Taylor added.
