Jaguars vs. Colts: Dawuane Smoot Returns as a Full Participant on Wednesday

The Jaguars could see a big boost to their pass-rush rotation this weekend.

The Jacksonville Jaguars seemed primed to have a familiar face return to the lineup this weekend.

Outside linebacker Dawuane Smoot practiced fully on Wednesday, marking his first full practice since his Week 16 Achilles injury last season. Smoot spent the first several weeks of the season the PUP list before the Jaguars opened up his window to return on Oct. 4. 

"Smoot is fine, we activated him last week in London and he’ll have another week this week. Hopefully if everything goes well, there’s a chance that he could make this football game," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday.

A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Smoot appeared in 90 games for the Jaguars over the past six seasons, recording 22.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. One of the best developmental stories in recent Jaguars history, Smoot was able to become one of the Jaguars' most reliable pass-rushers in recent seasons as he transitioned to more of an inside/outside role that saw him line up in multiple positions.

At the time of his Achilles injury against the New York Jets in Week 16, Smoot was second on the team in pressures, fourth in quarterback hits, first in sacks, and second in pass-rush win rate. He recorded five sacks in each of the last four seasons, recording 22.5 sacks in that span and often looking like Jacksonville's most consistent pass-rusher.

In terms of other injuries, wide receiver Zay Jones (knee) and offensive lineman Walker Little (knee) both did not practice. Linebacker Devin Lloyd (thumb) and cornerback Christian Braswell (hamstring) were both limited. 


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John Shipley
JOHN SHIPLEY

John Shipley has been covering the Jacksonville Jaguars as a beat reporter and publisher of Jaguar Report since 2019. Previously, he covered UCF's undefeated season as a beat reporter for NSM.Today, covered high school prep sports in Central Florida, and covered local sports and news for the Palatka Daily News. Follow John Shipley on Twitter at @_john_shipley.