JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars are getting one running back for Friday’s preseason game against Detroit but losing another.
Coach Gus Bradley said Toby Gerhart won’t play against the Lions because of an abdominal strain that has kept him out of practice this week. Gerhart’s status for the preseason finale against Washington on Sept. 3 is in doubt, as well.
“He needs time this week and then next week we’ll see how it goes but he should be ready for Week 1,” Bradley said Wednesday.
Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon is still on pace to play on Friday night. He had missed the first two preseason games because of a sprained finger on his left hand. He was cleared for full-contact work earlier this week and wore a protective pad on his hand.
Gerhart has run for 28 yards on nine carries and has caught three passes for 35 yards in the Jaguars’ first two preseason games. Bradley has praised Gerhart for having a good offseason and having an impressive training camp.
Gerhart was hurt during the Jaguars’ 22-12 loss to the New York Giants last Saturday night and thought it was a minor injury. It worsened early in Monday’s practice and the Jaguars originally feared it was a sports hernia.
“We were relieved that it wasn’t a sports hernia or anything like that that would have kept him out for quite a while,” Bradley said.
Other players that will not play against Detroit are WR Marqise Lee (hamstring), WR Greg Jenkins (ankle), CB Peyton Thompson (hamstring), CB Demetrius McCray (knee), LB LaRoy Reynolds (knee), OT Josh Wells (thumb) and WR Neal Sterling (hamstring).
LB Khairi Fortt (knee) and S James Sample (arm) will be game-time decisions.
