After being put on the Physically Unable to Perform list to kick off training camp for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sen'Derrick Marks will be sidelined for the entirety of the preseason. However, according to the Florida-Times Union, he has told the media that he looks to be preparing to return a week before the regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers at week one.
“That’s my target,” he said after the opening training camp practice on Friday.
In regards to return a week before the Carolina Panthers game, he said, "I think that would be good, just to get back into a routine and that would allow me to remove whatever fear and doubt I have in my mind.”
Who would be getting reps in his place? Expect that to be sixth round draft pick Michael Bennett, the defensive tackle from Ohio State that fell four rounds lower than expected to many draft analysts. They both play similar styles of football but Bennett has a little less size, but with a powerful set of hands and dangerous burst off the line of scrimmage. He was the team's captain last season for the Buckeyes and had 11.5 sacks for the 2014 National Champions.
It would be important to note, as some will expect Sen'Derrick Marks to be slow in his return to the field. Having the rookie get in reps with the first team has the potential to share the load in the Jaguars' 3-tech defensive tackle position, in which an interior lineman lines up against a guard's outside shoulder. How Michael Bennett plays in the preseason will give the Jaguars a good indication on the impressive depth Gus Bradley bestows in Jacksonville, once the season gets underway.
Marks is hoping to be back before the regular season begins on September 13, 2015 at home against the Carolina Panthers.