Julius Thomas' injury delays building chemistry with Jags QB Bortles

By foxsports
Published

After breaking his hand in last Friday's preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, there isn't much tight end Julius Thomas can do to work on developing chemistry with his new quarterback, Blake Bortles.

Thomas can run routes in practice, but the team doesn't want him catching passes. The Pro Bowler has been ruled out of the Jaguars' three remaining preseason games.

"It’s hard,” Bortles said, per Hays Carlyon the Florida Times-Union. “We’ll go throw routes to the tight ends and he’ll run the routes. No one will throw him a ball, but he’ll run the route, which is good for him. He’s staying in shape and working on his route running. It’s difficult when you’re not able to throw him a ball, feel the spots he’s in and where you need to throw it. As soon as he’s able to catch a ball, we’ll get back to it and try to pick up where we left off.”

The pair had been working to develop their timing since Thomas joined the Jaguars as a free agent in March, including offseason throwing sessions in California.

The 27-year-old Thomas was injured on his second play Friday after a hit from Steelers cornerback William Gay. 

The Jaguars hope Thomas will be available in time for the Sept. 13 season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

(h/t Florida Times-Union)