Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone has offered an encouraging update regarding the status of offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, who is currently on injured reserve following back surgery.
Mekari underwent the procedure on August 17, and it was initially reported that he would "miss some time" as a result. However, the specifics of his recovery timeline remained uncertain until Gladstone's recent comments.
During the roster cutdown period, the Jaguars officially placed Mekari on injured reserve, which means he is required to sit out at least four games. Despite this setback, Gladstone's remarks suggest that Mekari could return to action sooner rather than later.
"I think he’d be quickly thereafter the threshold for return to get in," Gladstone stated, indicating that Mekari might be ready to practice by Week 5 or Week 6 of the season. However, it is important to note that even if he is cleared to practice, he may need additional time to ramp up before he can rejoin the active roster for game days.
The potential return of Mekari in the first half of the season would be a significant boost for the Jaguars, who are looking to solidify their offensive line. In Mekari's absence, Ezra Cleveland has been stepping in at right guard during practice, showcasing the team's depth and adaptability.
As the Jaguars prepare for the upcoming games, the health of their offensive line will be crucial in supporting the team's performance. Mekari's experience and skills will be invaluable as the season progresses, especially as the Jaguars aim to improve on their previous campaigns and make a push for the playoffs.
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