Will

Rackley

Undrafted out of Grand Valley State, Bradfield started two games for the Jaguars last year before an impressive camp this summer. The move will likely be temporary, as the Jags are looking for their best five starters with LG Will Rackley (ankle) out 3-4 weeks.

Rackley was one of the worst starting offensive linemen in football as a rookie, so there may be no falloff in Jacksonville’s run blocking and pass pro at left guard. The Jaguars are thinning fast on the O-Line, though. G/C Jason Spitz is lost for the season, and the Jags didn’t draft a single lineman in April.

Rackley started 14 games as a rookie, comfortably grading out as Pro Football Focus’ lowest-rated guard last season. The 2011 third-rounder struggled particularly with technique after missing last offseason while transitioning from small-school left tackle at Lehigh to the interior in Jacksonville.

It’s an optimistic timetable for a high ankle sprain, keep in mind. Rackley struggled in 14 rookie-year starts, but the Jags were hoping for a significant year-two leap. Instead, they may have to turn to journeyman-caliber Jason Spitz at left guard. Rackley will be in a race to regain his job before Week 1.

A teammate apparently rolled onto Rackley’s ankle, and he did not return to the practice field. A second-year player, Rackley started 14 games as a rookie. If the injury is serious, the Jags might have to turn to C Jason Spitz.

Rackley recently suffered a setback in his return from a high-ankle sprain. The Jaguars may be better off without him, as Eben Britton has moved inside with pleasant surprise Cameron Bradfield holding down right tackle. A third-round pick in the 2011 draft, Rackley will return in 2013 to compete for a job.

It means LG Will Rackley’s top backup is likely to miss at least 1-2 regular season games. Dealing with a high-ankle sprain, Rackley is “recovering quickly,” but expected to be sidelined at least another week.

Rackley ended up missing a little over three weeks. It’s doubtful he’s back to 100 percent, but with 15 days to go until Week 1, Rackley should be ready for Opening Day.

Guy Whimper has played well as a fill-in at right tackle, so Britton is now competing at two positions in an effort to get the best five linemen on the field. For the most part, rookie Will Rackley has met expectations at left guard.

Rackley started the first two games, but the rookie failed to impress. The coaches decided that Britton was a better option even though he’s coming off back surgery and has never played guard in his career.