Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Josh Oliver wasn’t expected to practice Wednesday as the team had an off day due to Hurricane Dorian and the same will apply for Thursday. However, it appears he’s nearing a return whether that is Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, or afterward. In Thursday’s press conference, coach Doug Marrone provided an update on the rookie stating that he was “close” to a return to practice and declared him as a “day-to-day” case after recently having a full lift and run.
As most are aware, Oliver sustained a hamstring injury early in training camp which Marrone labeled as “significant.” Later in the preseason, Marrone told the media that the staff was pushing to have Oliver back for Week 1, but it looks like that may not happen just yet.
If Oliver can’t go the Jags have veterans Geoff Swaim, James O’Shaughnessy and recent waiver claim Seth DeValve to enter Week 1 with, which is a serviceable group. With quarterback Nick Foles being big on utilizing the tight end spot, all three will have to hold down the fort as receivers (and blockers) until the rookie returns and hopefully picks up where he left off this summer.
