Julius Thomas makes long-awaited debut for Jacksonville

By foxsports
Published

Jacksonville tight end Julius Thomas, who missed the first four weeks after having surgery on his hand in early September, made his Jaguars' debut in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.

Thomas, Jacksonville's marquee signing in free agency last March, had two receptions for 20 yards in the 38-31 defeat. The Pro Bowler was targeted twice on the day.

The 27-year-old Thomas practiced without a cast last week for the first time since breaking his hand in the team's preseason opener against Pittsburgh Aug. 14. He had surgery Sept. 2.

Thomas caught 24 touchdowns the past two seasons in Denver before agreeing to a five-year, $46 million contract with the Jaguars.

He is expected to be one of quarterback Blake Bortles' top targets as the season progresses.