Courtney

Greene

Greene appeared in seven games last season, starting two, before landing on injured reserve with knee problems in November. In 2012, Greene will compete with Chris Prosinski to be the Jags’ third safety behind Dwight Lowery and Dawan Landry. Either way, Greene’s primary duties will be on special teams.

Greene was nursing a hamstring injury around midseason, but it’s believed this was related to his knees. He wound up starting only two games this year, recording 10 tackles. Greene is not under contract for the 2012 season.

Greene was signed to a one-year, $1.26 million contract in April after knee injuries limited him to seven games a year ago. Dawan Landry and Dwight Lowery will start at safety again this year. The Jaguars opted to keep both Jalen Parmele and Keith Toston at running back with Maurice Jones-Drew’s status up in the air.

Greene was getting toasted in coverage at free safety, which isn’t his natural position. Greene will now be a special teamer and back up Dawan Landry on the strong side. Lowery has ball-hawking skills, but has played most of his career snaps at cornerback. There’s likely to be a transition period. The Jags will continue to field one of the NFL’s poorest secondaries.

Willing in run support and offering good straight-line speed (4.53), Greene will be tried at strong safety in Seattle. His initial impact will be on special teams, but he could carve out a defensive role if Deon Grant goes down.

Greene was Seattle’s seventh-round pick in April. He’ll likely be asked to play special teams eventually, but seems unlikely to help on defense.

A seventh-round pick from Rutgers last April, Greene’s long-term outlook has special teamer written all over it. He’ll be on the roster bubble in August.

“The one guy that improved the most last year was Courtney Greene,” Smith said. “He has a chance.” Greene racked up 78 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble in 11 starts, showing impact ability as a hitter. He is an in-the-box safety, however, and the Jags plan to sign a free safety in free agency.

The hits just keep coming for a secondary vying with the Texans as the league’s leakiest. The Jags are hoping to develop the two longshot youngsters for the future, but they’re going to take their lumps along the way. Dwayne Bowe is a viable fantasy option for a second straight week.

The results of an MRI aren’t known, but coach Jack Del Rio expects Greene to return this season. Greene’s loss depletes an already razor-thin Jaguars secondary. Sean Considine will start in Greene’s absence.