Daryl

Smith

The rookie has been a standout all training camp for Jacksonville. He’s the favorite for a starting job over Greg Favors and Tommy Hendricks.

Good news for the Jags, who expected worse. The rookie was able to do light running at practice yesterday.

He was unable to practice Thursday.

Smith injured his hamstring during practice earlier this week and was held out of Friday’s walk-through. Del Rio said Smith would play if this was the regular season, but lean to caution because it’s preseason. Greg Favors would replace Smith.

Smith left Thursday morning’s practice on a cart. It’s not a concern for a player that has missed just four games in his eight-year career. Smith has averaged 103.6 tackles per year over the last three seasons while grading out as one of the game’s best 4-3 outside linebackers.

“Of course, I want to get it done, but I don’t spend a whole lot of time thinking about it,” said Smith. “I’d like to finish up my career in Jacksonville, but I understand it’s a business decision.” Smith has been one of the NFL’s most underrated linebackers for a long time. The 30-year-old graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 4-3 OLB last season, behind only Von Miller.

Smith didn’t practice at all during the week. After suffering the injury on August 3, Smith was reportedly only supposed to miss 7-10 days, but he suffered a setback in practice before Week 1. Kyle Bosworth will likely get the start against Houston in his place. It’s a very favorable matchup for Arian Foster and Ben Tate.

Smith has missed virtually all of training camp and now the first three weeks of the season. Backup Kyle Bosworth had five tackles in his place last week.

Smith has yet to play this season with a groin injury. Rutland is recovering from a concussion, and George Selvie has a knee injury. Everybody else is healthy. Eben Britton and Cameron Bradfield are back starting on the offensive line.

Smith participated in position drills as the Jaguars held a non-padded practice. The Jags feel they’ll get a better read on Smith’s chances of playing in Week 7 against the Raiders based on how he feels after the session. Smith is a core run defender for Jacksonville, which has struggled mightily without him.