Jaguars rookie TE Josh Oliver to make NFL debut at Bengals
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars rookie tight end Josh Oliver will make his NFL debut at Cincinnati — and it might come in a starting role.
Oliver was a full participant in practice for the second consecutive day Friday, and coach Doug Marrone says he won't be limited Sunday against the Bengals (0-6).
"It was good that he was able to go full later in the week," Marrone said. "He's going to play, and we'll see how it goes."
Marrone ruled out receiver Marqise Lee (ankle) and tight end Geoff Swaim (concussion), and listed receiver Dede Westbrook (shoulder) as questionable.
Oliver sustained a "significant" strain to his right hamstring during training camp on Aug. 1. He spent the past 11 weeks recovering and rehabbing as the Jaguars (2-4) took a cautious approach to getting him back on the field.
Jacksonville now needs the third-round draft pick from San Jose State. The Jags have lost two tight ends in as many weeks, with James O'Shaughnessy tearing a ligament in his left knee and then Swaim suffering a concussion that is expected to sideline him several weeks.
Also Friday, Marrone said quarterback Nick Foles (broken collarbone) will return to practice next week as expected. Foles was placed on injured reserve following the season opener and would be eligible to play Week 11 at Indianapolis.