Jaguars' Doug Pederson: DaVon Hamilton is Doing 'Extremely Well'

The veteran nose tackle could be back in the building at some point next week.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton could return to the team's facilities from a non-football related medical issue with his back next week, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Thursday.

“I just want to give a quick update on DaVon, which I know you’re going to ask. He’s doing extremely well. Obviously, it’s a non-football-related injury. He’s doing extremely well, and our doctor said that he could be back in our building as early as next week, so we’re happy for that," Pederson said. 

Hamilton has been away from the team's facilities this week after the team announced his injury status on Sunday, with no definitive timetable given for his return. Hamilton was seen on crutches in the locker room after Saturday's preseason game vs. the Detroit Lions. 

While Hamilton will be missing the final section of training camp, he is a fourth-year veteran who is one of the more reliable performers on the defense, meaning that any missed time is unlikely to impact his standing. 

"As a veteran player, you know what he can do. It’s been unfortunate with the issues he’s been dealing with, not getting the reps, but I wouldn’t have any problem with that. It would be more about where he is physically at the time," Pederson said.

Hamilton has been particularly dominant in training camp, looking like the Jaguars' top interior defensive lineman for much of camp as he moves from nose tackle to defensive end in the Jaguars' 3-4 scheme. 

Drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the No. 73 overall pick, Hamilton was the first member of the Jaguars' 2020 class to sign a new deal with the team. Hamilton is the first Jaguars draft pick to sign an extension since Cam Robinson and punter Logan Cooke.

Hamilton has appeared in 46 games for the Jaguars, starting 30. In that span, he has recorded 132 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and four pass deflections.

Hamilton had his best season in 2022, starting 14 games and recording 56 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks while playing 53% of the snaps.