Aaron

Kampman

Kampman had a setback last week, and has no timetable to return. “I wish I had more certainty, myself,” he conceded Monday. Against the Titans, the Jags started Matt Roth at right defensive end with Jeremy Mincey on the left side.

The Jags are going to try to slow down the Saints’ offense without Kampman and starting corner Derek Cox (groin). Backup corner Will Middleton figures to be tested often by Drew Brees. Other Jaguars inactives: RB Montell Owens, WR Kassim Osgood, T Cameron Bradfield, C/G Jason Spitz and S Courtney Greene.

Kampman might have been able to play at Cincinnati, but the Jags held him out to target what they viewed as a more competitive opponent. Kampman figures to be eased in, playing behind LE Matt Roth and RE Jeremy Mincey. He may play in obvious passing situations at first. The Jags have eight sacks through five games -- fourth fewest in the NFL -- so they need all the help they can get.

In late December, Kampman underwent his third known knee surgery since December of 2009 and there is a strong belief in Jacksonville that his days are numbered with the Jags. Kampman, 32, is owed a $4.975 million salary in 2012.

“I’m encouraged,” he said. “I’ve got a long ways to go but I’ve come a long way, too. There are no promises, but I’m making steps.” GM Gene Smith indicated that Kampman will at least go to mid-April minicamps with the Jaguars. They may consider cutting ties with Kampman’s balky knees and $5 million salary after the draft, but for now the 32-year-old remains on the roster.

Receiver and cornerback are listed as the next biggest needs. The Jags did re-sign RE Jeremy Mincey, but 32-year-old Aaron Kampman is a major question mark on the other side after missing all but three games in 2011 due to a knee injury.

Tyson Alualu will also be absent as he recovers from “minor” microfracture knee surgery. Kampman’s absence wouldn’t typically be a concern for a 10-year vet, but he’s been limited to 20 games by injury the past three seasons, and is coming off supposedly minor December knee surgery. He’s undergone three known knee operations since December of 2009, including ACL reconstructions in each knee. Due $4.975 million, Kampman could be cut after the draft.

He was limited in Wednesday’s practice. Kampman has had plenty of trouble getting over his latest ACL tear, and it may have led to the hamstring tweak. He’s been essentially a non-factor as a situational pass rusher the past few weeks.

The Jags’ defense is thinning out quickly with NT Terrance Knighton (ankle) already ruled out against the Browns, and top CB Rashean Mathis (torn ACL) going in I.R. this week. Until we see Jacksonville play effective defense without several of their top defenders, they can’t be considered a tough matchup.

It was just a “clean-up” procedure, but Kampman has now undergone three known knee surgeries since December of 2009, two of the reconstructive variety after ACL tears in each knee. Kampman’s base salary more than doubles from $2.45 million to $4.975 million in 2012. He may be an offseason cap casualty.