Week 2 NFL Power Rankings: Jaguars Are No. 30

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost a thrilling Week 1 game in overtime against Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings, in a game that very few thought the Jaguars would win.

The consequences of that loss (well, besides an 0-1 start)? A one-spot drop in SB Nation's Week 2 NFL power rankings. Jacksonville fell from No. 29 to No. 30 after losing to Minnesota.

If the Vikings miss that field goal at the end of regulation, then the Jaguars are ranked 24th in our power rankings, like the Vikings are.

And yes, as advertised, the Vikings are the No. 24 team in the power rankings.

Adrian Peterson is back, which means I can take Minnesota out of the running for the No. 1 overall pick next year.

Elsewhere in the AFC South, the Texans are No. 4, the Colts are No. 21 and the Titans are No. 22.

Jacksonville will play host to the Texans in Week 2, and an upset win could certainly vault the Jags up the rankings next week.

For the latest on all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country and join the discussion.

Jaguars Sign TE Stephen Spach, OL Herb Taylor

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon, signing tight end Stephen Spach and offensive lineman Herb Taylor.

Jacksonville will be Spach's third team he's suited up for in his professional career. In 2005, Spach was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, appearing in 13 games. Spach did not appear in any games in 2006, and signed with the New England Patriots in 2007, and was a member of New England's record-setting 16-0 team that went on to lose the Super Bowl. Spach appeared in two games with New England in 2008, and latched on with the Arizona Cardinals between 2008-2010. Spach appeared in 10 games with the St. Louis Rams last year.

For his career, Spach has just 22 receptions.

Taylor was a sixth-round draft choice by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007, and spent two seasons with Kansas City. Taylor has also spent time with the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, though he never appeared in a regular-season contest for any of those teams.

In corresponding moves, tight end Colin Cloherty and wide receiver Brian Robiskie were waived.

For the latest on the Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country.

NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Jaguars Still At The Bottom Of The League

The Jacksonville Jaguars are still lingering around the basement of most NFL power rankings, including our own Joel Thorman's at the SB Nation NFL page:

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 29, 0-1): If the Vikings miss that field goal at the end of regulation, then the Jaguars are ranked 24th in our power rankings, like the Vikings are.

The Cats didn't move up or down over at ESPN, also coming in at No. 30:

Sure, the loss to the Vikings was tough, but Blaine Gabbert looks better. (John Clayton)

Former Ravens head coach Brian Billick adds to the consensus, putting the Jags at No. 30 over at Fox Sports:

At least Blaine Gabbert is making improvements. He actually looked like an NFL QB on Sunday -- stepping into throws, reading defenses and driving balls into tight windows. For the Jags' sake, let's hope Sunday wasn't the exception to the rule.

NFL.com actually has the Jags higher than any other outlet, at No. 27 and actually moving a notch down after the loss to the Vikings:

Getting Maurice Jones-Drew back was nice, but all eyes remain on Blaine Gabbert's development. Hopefully Gabbert's eyes stay off the pass rush.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Mike Mularkey Says Eugene Monroe Was 'On A Mission'

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Eugene Monroe was tasked with blocking Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen on Sunday. Monroe blocked well enough to keep Allen off the defensive stat sheet. Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey thought that his performance was encouraging for the rest of the season:

Eugene, I think he was on a mission because he played well...A lot of times he was one-on-one with Jared Allen. I thought he held his own against him. I was very proud of the way he was kind of quietly did his number over there when called upon. Hopefully that's going to help him against these guys that he has to line up against every week, but he played well.

The Jaguars host the Houston Texans in their home opener at EverBank Field on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Uche Nwaneri Injury: Jaguars OL Should Be Available Sunday

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Uche Nwaneri has been battling injuries for a couple of weeks now, since suffering an ankle sprain against the Atlanta Falcons in the final week of the preseason. Nwaneri was also one of three offensive linemen to go down in the Jags' season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, though he was able to return to the field and is expected to play against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Jags head coach Mike Mularkey spoke about Nwaneri at Monday's press conference:

"Uche Nwaneri returned to the game. His actually looked the worst when the play occurred. He came back and finished up pretty strong. He had already had that thing rolled up and had some issues with it going into the game. I thought it was going to be more serious. I am glad he got back into the game and helped us going back out there and playing on it. He should be fine. He should be ready by next week."

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Injuries Change Jaguars' Game Plan, Says Mike Mularkey

The Jacksonville Jaguars played without linebacker Daryl Smith and cornerback Derek Cox in Sunday's overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Jags could have used both of them, as second-year quarterback Christian Ponder had the game of his career, going 20-for-27 with a 105.5 passer rating.

When asked if the depleted defense changed play calling, Jacksonville head coach Mike Mularkey said:

"It changes game planning if you have any idea that a player may not be active or limited or he's had some concerns over the injury. It plays right into the game plan. How do you attack that weakness? That injury weakness. How do you attack a good player that's out there that would typically not be, or the special teams, like a Daryl Smith."

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Mike Mularkey Surprised By All The Jaguars Foot Injuries

The Jacksonville Jaguars not only lost their season opener to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, they also might lose key members of their offensive line as well, with Eben Britton, Cameron Bradfield and Uche Nwaneri all sporting walking boots after the loss.

As Jacksonville prepares for its next opponent, the Houston Texans and their vaunted pass rush, on Monday head coach Mike Mularkey remarked that so many ankle/foot injuries at the same time is something he's never experienced before:

"It's the most foot injuries I've ever been around. Foot, ankle, you think about the number of lineman we have lost with it, it's just unheard of. I don't know if it's bad luck. I am putting a little research out there with some of the turf teams if they're experiencing the same kind of issues we are with our ankles and feet. We have had an unbelievable number of injuries to that part of the body. More than I've ever been around."

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Maurice Jones-Drew Benefitted 'A Lot' From Vikings Game, Says Mike Mularkey

Maurice Jones-Drew played a bit more than expected in the Jaguars' season opener against the Vikings on Sunday. Jones-Drew, who had only been with his team for a week since returning from a contract holdout, was supposed to be the Jags' third-down back, while Rashad Jennings would be the starter and primary ball carrier.

But after Jennings went down with a knee injury, Jacksonville turned to its franchise running back. Head coach Mike Mularkey had this to say at Monday's press conference when asked how much Jones-Drew's playing time against the Vikings would benefit him:

"A lot. Obviously that was not the plan to play him as much as he did. I thought he did well. Really there was nothing blatant that stood out as far as mental errors with him. He may have lined up on the wrong side of the protection but he was protecting the right guy. He was just on the wrong side in the shotgun. Actually, it looks like we have other protections with him having to come across to block it. I was pretty pleased. I think a couple of those runs I have seen him on tape in previous years get out of. I think that's going to come as he gets more playing time."

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Mike Mularkey Proud Of Blaine Gabbert's Play

Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert played perhaps the best game of his young career Sunday against Minnesota, throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-39 passing. Jacksonville coach Mike Mularkey said during his press conference on Monday that he was pleased with the former Missouri standout's progress.

"I'm just proud of him that he's done some things to take some steps forward. I think the players recognize it," Mularkey said.

How can Mularkey tell?

"I'm constantly watching body language and listening to things outside my circle and I just see a lot of things," Mularkey said. "In the huddle, in practice and what the players are saying to him. The line, if they give up a sack, I've heard them [say], ‘Hey Blaine, I won't let that happen again, I've got your back.' These guys are going to do whatever they can for Blaine Gabbert."

Gabbert's play Sunday came as a pleasant surprise, especially considering three starting offensive linement went down with lower leg injuries midway during Sunday's overtime loss. With Maurice Jones-Drew still getting up to full speed, Gabbert may again see an expanded role Sunday versus the Houston Texans.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head over to Big Cat Country, and be sure to check out SBNation's dedicated NFL hub.

Jaguars' Offensive Line Dealing With Injuries

The Jaguars lost right tackle Cameron Bradfield and guard Eben Britton to lower-leg injuries midway through Sunday's game against Minnesota, a major reason for Jacksonville's second-half offensive struggles. Both Bradfield and Britton and guard Uche Nwaneri were in protective walking boots after the loss.

Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey did not have any definitive answers on the status of his three banged-up linemen at Monday's press conference.

"Still waiting on two MRIs with Cameron Bradfield and ... Eben Britton," Mularkey said. "I don't think it's serious, but it's probably questionable right now whether [Britton is] going to play. I don't think it's a long-term thing which is good. He tried to play yesterday. I appreciate his effort to go back in there. We were scrambling."

The Jaguars signed offensive tackle Herb Taylor on Monday as insurance in case Bradfield, Britton, or Nwaneri are unable to play Sunday. Jacksonville faces the tough task of stopping a suffocating Houston Texans pass rush that features J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith and Brian Cushing.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head over to Big Cat Country, and be sure to check out SBNation's dedicated NFL hub.

Jaguars Cut WR Brian Robiskie, TE Colin Cloherty, Sign Two

The Jaguars acted quickly to shore up depth after three offensive linemen were injured in Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Minnesota Vikings:

#Jaguars have signed TE Stephen Spach & OT Herb Taylor, and cut TE Colin Cloherty & WR Brian Robiskie

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) September 11, 2012

Jacksonville faces one of the best pass-rushing teams in the league this Sunday in the Houston Texans, who boast J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith and Brian Cushing coming off the edge, among others. The offensive tackle injuries, then, come at as inopportune a time as possible for the Jaguars. Taylor, a 2007 sixth-round draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, will provide another body at the position for this Sunday, at least.

Robiskie played his first three seasons with the Cleveland Browns but played in just six games during the 2011 season, catching three passes for 25 yards. The Ohio State product played in Sunday's game against Minnesota but did not receive a single target.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head over to Big Cat Country, and be sure to check out SBNation's dedicated NFL hub.

NFL Injury Report: Jaguars Banged Up After Week 1 Loss

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost on Sunday in a heartbreaker to the Minnesota Vikings, falling 26-23 in overtime to Adrian Peterson and the Vikings.

Unfortunately for Jacksonville fans, the Jaguars exited the game pretty banged up. Three offensive linemen, Eben Britton, Cameron Bradfield and Uche Nwaneri, were seen in walking boots following the loss.

Alfie Crow over at Big Cat Country isn't too optimistic about Jacksonville's Week 2 matchup if the Jaguars are without those three linemen.

The Jaguars don't have many options, depth wise, now that season has started. Gabbert was harassed the rest of the game with Guy Whimper at right tackle. Undrafted rookie center Mike Brewster played admirably at the guard position, but still struggled with protection at times. If the team wants any shot at all against the Houston Texans, they will need to get healthy... fast.

The Jaguars did receive some good news on the injury front, as Rashad Jennings's injury isn't believed to be serious.

Defensively, the Jaguars might be without Daryl Smith again in Week 2. Smith was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings, and Mike Mularkey said that Smith will be out of practice on Wednesday, which doesn't bode well for his chances playing in the home opener against the Texans this coming Sunday.

For more on the Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings 2012: Jacksonville's Defensive Ends Struggle In Defeat

The Jacksonville Jaguars came up just a bit short against Minnesota and lost in overtime, 26-23. The Jaguars did some things well in defeat, but they also had problems. As SB Nation's Big Cat Country noted afterward, the team's defensive ends did not play particularly well.

While the Jaguars were thin on Sunday, carrying just three defensive ends in Jeremy Mincey, Andre Branch, and Aaron Morgan, the pressure on the quarterback was virtually non-existent. Mincey, surprisingly, was handled by Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt.

Related: Daryl Smith Injury: Jaguars LB May Be Out Week 2

Without much pressure from the Jaguars, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was able to have an efficient afternoon. He finished the game 20-of-27 for 270 yards and did not throw an interception. Jacksonville was only able to sack Ponder twice.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Rashad Jennings Injury: Jaguars RB Should Be Fine

Rashad Jennings suffered a knee injury in Jacksonville's Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but luckily for both Jennings and the Jags, Jennings's injury doesn't appear to be serious.

Jennings, who replaced Maurice Jones-Drew as the starter on Sunday against Minnesota following MJD's lengthy offseason holdout, missed the entire second half with a left knee injury. Jones-Drew, who was likely to regain his starting job as soon as next week against Houston anyway, ended up taking the bulk of the Jaguars' carries following the injury and ended up with 77 yards on the ground. It doesn't appear Jennings' injury is serious, but his workload is likely to take a dip in coming weeks, either way.

Jennings missed the entire 2011 season because of a knee injury he suffered in the preseason. This injury is not nearly as serious, but it's still nevertheless concerning to see Jennings suffer another knee injury.

We'll see how much, if any, Jennings practices this week, as the Jaguars get ready to take on the Houston Texans in an AFC South Week 2 showdown.

For the latest on the Jaguars, head over to Big Cat Country.

Jaguars CB Aaron Ross Looked Lost On Defense

According to the player evaluation web site Pro Football Focus, Jaguars cornerback Aaron Ross had a rough outing in Jacksonville's 26-23 loss at Minnesota to open the 2012 season.

PFF writer Sam Monson wrote:

Ross in particular looked like he didn't know the defense at all, regularly appearing to pause and think about plays in coverage rather than reacting to where he knew he was supposed to be.

That lag in reaction time caused Ross to give up six catches on seven targets for 79 yards to three different Vikings receivers, and he chipped in with a missed tackle on defense as well.

Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was 20-for-27 for 270 yards, including a 26-yard completion to wide receiver Devin Aromashodu and a six-yard quick strike to tight end Kyle Rudolph that set up Blair Walsh's 55-yard field goal to tie the game at the end of regulation. The Jaguars secondary didn't surrender a touchdown pass, but allowed 13.5 yards per reception in the loss.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jaguars' Eugene Monroe Blanked Jared Allen

The Jacksonville Jaguars came up short in Minnesota on Sunday, but it wasn't for a lack of effort from left tackle Eugene Monroe. Monroe was able to neutralize Vikings' star Jared Allen, who did not get any pressure on Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert:

To pass block 46 times in a game and keep Jared Allen entirely without pressure is an extremely impressive feat. The only occasion Allen got the better of Monroe came early in the game when Allen jumped the snap (albeit barely), which beat the big left tackle off the ball so badly he turned around the wrong way in an attempt to prevent disaster.

Related: Jaguars Defensive Ends Struggle In Loss To Vikings

Monroe not only played well in pass protection, he also keyed several runs with his blocking. Monroe is in his fourth season with the Jaguars and has been a regular starter throughout his career.

The Jaguars face the Houston Texans in Week 2.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Rashad Jennings Injury Believed Not To Be Serious

With a Maurice Jones-Drew holdout ending just before the season, Rashad Jennings was supposed to get the majority of the carries on Sunday. However, a first half knee injury quickly changed the Jaguars' plans, as Jennings was done for the day.

Luckily for him, and the team, the injury is not expected to be serious, according to Big Cat Country.

"Just a leg right now, I'm going to tell you that," Mularkey told reporters in his post-game press conference. "He tried to play through it, so we'll see where he is. But he tried to play through it, he went in there on the goal line play after he'd come out. I don't know how serious it is, but he did go in after a couple of snaps."

"I don't think serious," Mularkey said when asked if it was a worrisome injury.

The Jaguars play the Houston Texans on Sunday.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings Final: Jacksonville Loses Opener In 26-23 Heartbreaker

In a game that certainly offered the entire spectrum of human emotion, the Vikings came out victorious over the Jaguars in a 26-23 game that featured the first actual application of the new NFL overtime rules.

After dominating the first 25 minutes of the game both offensively and defensively and earning a 9-0 lead, the Jaguars offensive line deteriorated and the Viking offense picked up all the momentum necessary to get ahead. But with 20 seconds left in the game, a Blaine Gabbert touchdown to Cecil Shorts III from 39 yards out, followed by a Justin Blackmon two point conversion, put the Jaguars back on top, 23-20.

However, in the final 20 seconds the Jaguars allowed a quick drive by the Vikings that set up a 55-yard Blair Walsh field goal to tie and send it to overtime. A 38-yard field goal by Walsh gave the Vikings the lead and the Jaguars were unable to respond, losing 26-23.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country and Vikings blog Daily Norseman. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings Score: Minnesota Leads 14-12 After Three Quarters

After losing the momentum just prior to halftime, things continued along the same path for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half as they fumbled away a snap on the opening possession. That led to Adrian Peterson's second touchdown of the game, giving the Vikings a 14-9 lead.

While a Terrance Knighton sack/fumble gave the Jaguars the ball back and afforded them a golden opportunity, they were forced to settle for a Josh Scobee field goal, cutting the Minnesota lead to two.

The Vikings begin the fourth quarter on the four-yard line with a second-and-goal situation, threatening to go up two scores late. The Jaguars desperately need a stop to stay in the game.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country and Vikings blog Daily Norseman. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings Score: Despite Early Domination, Jacksonville Only Leads 9-7

During the first 25 minutes of the first half, the Jaguars dominated in every facet of the game, but were only able to post nine points and a late touchdown by the Vikings keeps the halftime score much closer than the stats would indicate.

Offensively, Blaine Gabbert has looked calm, cool and collected in his dismantling of the Vikings defense. He, along with a rushing attack of Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings, methodically picked Minnesota apart on 17 and 14 play drives, but were stopped on the one-yard line on the first and had an extra point blocked on the second. The points left an opportunity on the field for the Vikings.

Despite not earning a first down for a 24-minute span in the first half, the Vikings found a rhythm on their final drive and cut the Jacksonville lead to two with a 3-yard Adrian Peterson touchdown.

The Jaguars will begin the second half with the ball.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country and Vikings blog Daily Norseman. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings Score: Jacksonville Leads 3-0 After First Quarter

After one quarter of play, the Jaguars look very much like they did in the preseason...encouraging. Blaine Gabbert is clearly a brand new quarterback as he led a 17-play, 77-yard drive that included four third down conversions.

However, the final third down of the drive, a goal to go situation on the one-yard line, wasn't successful for the Jaguars and the team elected to settle for a 19-yard Josh Scobee field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

On two drives, the Jaguars defense has looked strong enough despite the notable absences of Daryl Smith and Derek Cox. After allowing a first down on the first play from scrimmage, the Jaguars defense has not allowed a Vikings first down since and forced two punts.

The Jaguars will begin the second quarter with a second and seven on their own 35-yard line.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country and Vikings blog Daily Norseman. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings 2012: Game Preview, Kickoff Time, TV Schedule And More

The Jaguars square off against the Vikings on Sunday.

Keith Toston Cut From The Jaguars To Make Room For Maurice Jones-Drew

To make room on the roster for star running back Maurice Jones-Drew who recently ended his holdout, the Jacksonville Jaguars were forced to cut a running back from the team. The odd man out was Keith Toston according to Mark Long of the Associated Press who covers the Jaguars:

Jaguars have cut RB Keith Toston, making room on the 53-man roster for RB Maurice Jones-Drew

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) September 8, 2012

Toston, who was signed by the Jaguars in August, was cut from the St. Louis Rams last September and was out of football for the remainder of the 2011 NFL season.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

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Maurice Jones-Drew Picking Up The Offense Quickly

Now that his holdout has ended, Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Maurice Jones-Drew has had to take a crash course in learning new offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski's philosophy. But according to a Big Cat Country report, Bratkowski has been impressed with the speed in which Jones-Drew has picked things up:

"It's good to have him here, I am really impressed with him. He's a very intelligent young man, and he picks things up really quick. I really like his personality. A great personality, so this is my first time around him but it's been really fun."

Jones-Drew isn't expected to start the game on Sunday, but if he keeps progressing, he'll be back in the starting lineup in no time.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

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Derek Cox Injury: Jaguars CB Doubtful Against Vikings

As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to open the season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, it appears they'll be without cornerback Derek Cox ,who is still battling a nagging hamstring injury and has been listed as "doubtful" according Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country:

Cox has been out of action for a few weeks dealing with a hamstring injury missing much of the NFL preseason. The cornerback position, while deep, is becoming thin like the linebacker position as the team is trying to get players healthy.

Cox was injured in the Jaguars' preseason opener on Aug. 10 against the New York Giants, a game in which Jacksonville won, 32-31.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

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Jaguars LB Daryl Smith Ruled Out Vs. Vikings

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith will not play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Linebacker Kyle Bosworth will start in his place.

Smith suffered a groin injury early during training camp and did not play during any preseason games, but he was not ruled out for Week 1 until Friday.

Over at Big Cat Country, Alfie Crow sums up the development as such:

Smith is a big loss for the Jaguars defense, as he's their best cover linebacker and a three-down player. I would expect the Vikings offense to target the Jaguars linebackers on Sunday, as they're down to just one starter in Paul Posluszny.

The other starter missing is Clint Session, who is dealing with continued problems from a series of concussions suffered in 2011 and may be sent to the injured reserve.

Smith is entering his ninth season in the NFL, and he's played all nine with the Jaguars. He was a second-round draft choice in 2004 out of Georgia Tech, and he's the Jaguars' all-time tackles leader with 743 in his career.

The Jaguars open on the road against the Vikings. The game kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

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NFL Picks Week 1, Jaguars Vs. Vikings: Experts Split On Predictions

Experts are split picking between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minnesota Vikings for Sunday's game. The Jaguars enter this season with a new head coach in Mike Mularkey, but they are still in a challenging AFC South division with the Houston Texans as the favorite. The Vikings on the other hand are staring up from the bottom of the NFC North, chasing down the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions.

12 ESPN experts are split right down the middle between the two teams. Mike Golic and Merril Hoge are among the six experts predicting victory for the Jaguars. Five of eight experts on CBS Sports, including Jason La Canfora, are predicting the Jaguars to beat the Vikings.

On Yahoo! Sports, Mike Silver predicts that the Jaguars will win Sunday afternoon. His companions, Jason Cole and Les Carpenter, picked the other way. It should be noted that all the experts on all three sites predicted the Giants to beat the Cowboys on Wednesday, so take these predictions with a grain of salt.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Jaguars Injury Report: Justin Blackmon In Full Practice Participation

The most recent Jaguars injury report shows that rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon is making progress with his ankle injury. On Wednesday, Blackmon just had limited participation in team practices, but he had full practice participation on Thursday.

That's obviously good news for second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who will need all of the weapons available to him in the season opener against the Vikings on Sunday. Gabbert is already without his safety net from much of last season in Maurice Jones-Drew, unless Jones-Drew ends up getting the bulk of the carries despite missing preseason camp.

Defensive ends Austen Lane (foot) and George Selvie (knee), and linebacker Daryl Smith (groin) were the only players who did not practice at all on Thursday.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Jaguars Plan For A Healthy Adrian Peterson

The Jacksonville Jaguars play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season on Sunday, and they aren't taking any chances by assuming running back and fantasy football stud Adrian Peterson will be out.

Peterson has been sidelined with a severe right knee injury since Dec. 24. He had limited participation in Vikings' practice on Wednesday, but Peterson's dynamic abilities have the Jaguars preparing for a heavy dose of the running back anyway.

The Jacksonville coaching staff talked about Peterson on Wednesday, from jacksonville.com:

"We’re preparing for him to play," defensive tackle Tyson Alualu said before practice. "He’s probably one of the best running backs we’ll face so we have to definitely come with our ‘A’ game if we’re to stop the run."

Peterson rushed for 908 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2011 before his season-ending injury.

Justin Blackmon Injury: Jaguars WR Limited With Ankle

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon injured his ankle during practice Wednesday, making his status for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings undetermined.

The Jaguars listed Blackmon as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice and will reevaluate him for swelling before deciding if he will be available for Thursday's session.

Alfie Crow from SB Nation's Jaguars blog, Big Cat Country, took a look at whether or not Jacksonville fans should be worried about the setback.

"While the news sent an initial panic through Jaguars land, it shouldn't. If Blackmon's ankle is still bothering him on Friday and he's limited in the final session of practice, then some worry might be appropriate.

It's likely that Blackmon will be listed as "limited" again on Thursday, but as mentioned the Friday session is what counts. Blackmon being on the field is important for the Jaguars offense, as he looks like a rookie receiver who can make an instant impact on the football field."

Blackmon caught 10 passes for 136 yards and one touchdown during the preseason, establishing himself as one of quarterback Blaine Gabbert's go-to targets in the passing game.

For more on the Jaguars, head over to Big Cat Country.

Justin Blackmon Interview - Jaguars Rookie WR (via sbnation)

Week 1 NFL Picks: Jaguars Vs. Vikings

The Jacksonville Jaguars may be underdogs in their first game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings, according to the latest point spread odds, but that doesn't mean a loss is imminent.

Both the Jaguars and the Vikings enter Sunday's game, which will kickoff at 1 p.m. ET, with a plethora of questions surrounding their key returning veterans and still-young quarterbacks.

Jaguars' running back Maurice Jones-Drew just recently ended his preseason holdout and will be fighting for carries against Rashad Jennings, while Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson is still in the midst of recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last December. The amount of carries each star back receives has yet to be determined. Both teams also boast youth at quarterback, with second-year pros Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert set to start. Ponder, at No. 10, and Gabbert, at No. 12, were taken two picks apart from each other in the 2011 NFL Draft.

With so many questions facing both teams, this one could get ugly. Expect a close game that likely comes down to a one-possession final margin of victory.

Final score prediction: Jacksonville -- 20, Minnesota -- 14.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Week 1 NFL Odds: Jaguars Vs. Vikings

The Jacksonville Jaguars head into their Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings as underdogs. The opening line had the Vikings favored by 4.5 points, but it has since moved to Minnesota by 4 or 3.5, depending on the source.

Related: Forbes: Jaguars 'Least Valuable NFL Franchise', But Bigger Picture Shows Promise

The Jaguars are still sorting out plenty of issues, and Maurice Jones-Drew will not be the starting running back thanks to his now-concluded preseason holdout. The Vikings, meanwhile, are uncertain how Adrian Peterson will respond in his return from a major knee injury, and quarterback Christian Ponder is looking to prove that he's good enough to start in the NFL.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country and Vikings blog Daily Norseman. And for more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder Face Off As Friends Off The Field

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert will face a good friend on Sunday in the form of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder. The two met earlier in their professional careers and formed a friendly rivalry away from the field. They've spent time fishing and golfing together, but Gabbert admits they don't necessarily excel.

"I’m not very good," Gabbert said. "He’s not very good either but we just like to hang out and have a good time."

Neither quarterback is willing to claim dominance in fishing, but there's a little more bravado shown when it comes to golf. Gabbert insists it's all in good fun.

"We’ll both say we’re the best," he said. "But golf is a different story because neither of us know where we are going to hit the ball."

Gabbert and Ponder are both starting their second seasons in the NFL and looking to improve off of last year's performances. The two have talked about their rookie experiences, but not overwhelmingly so.

We talked about the ups and downs," Gabbert said, "But we tried not to really dwell on the fact that I didn’t play well or we didn’t play as well as we’d liked to in our first year."

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay.

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert Wants To Limit Interceptions

Jacksonville Jaguars second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert is focusing on limiting interceptions as he prepares for the team's 2012 campaign. As a rookie, Gabbert threw almost as many interceptions (11) as he did touchdowns (12). Gabbert also threw for 2,214 yards. The Jaguars finished 5-11.

"Coach Olson had a great point, Gabbert said. "You can never take interceptions back, that’s always next to your name in your career. That’s something that no quarterback wants to do, we always want to protect the football and eliminate turnovers, but they are part of the game. You do your best job in your preparation throughout the week to minimize your mental errors so you don’t force the ball."

Jacksonville faces the Minnesota Vikings this weekend and Gabbert has drawn comparisons to Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder. The former Florida State standout threw 13 interceptions and 13 touchdowns in 2011. "We're both definitely looking to improve," Gabbert said in an interview on the team's website.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay.

Jaguars Injury Report: Justin Blackmon Limited

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon was limited by an ankle injury in Wednesday's practice according to the team's Twitter page. It's a new injury for Blackmon as he prepares for his first NFL game. The Jaguars travel to Minnesota Sunday to take on the Vikings. The injury's extent is unclear at this point, but there doesn't appear to be a threat that Blackmon will sit out against Minnesota.

The Jaguars drafted Blackmon out of Oklahoma State with the fifth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He racked up 10 catches for 136 yards and one touchdown in the preseason. Blackmon is a former Big 12 offensive player of the year, a Biletnikoff winner, and Fiesta Bowl offensive MVP.

Following a preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey praised Blackmon's effort. "I thought he played well again," Mularkey said. "He made the catches. We need more guys doing what he's doing."

For more coverage of this story and the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay.

Blaine Gabbert Looks Different To Maurice Jones-Drew

Blaine Gabbert will begin his second season as quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew talked to reporters on Wednesday about how different Gabbert looks this season as opposed to last year.

His command of the offense is great. He tells guys where to go, he calls the plays, knows where the play is going. It's not like he's learning on the run. He's doing a great job with it.

Jones-Drew brought up one specific example from a play that was called at a practice on Monday.

On Monday I messed up a couple of times, and he was like ‘No, no no. We will do it this way. It's just like this play from last year, but we call it this.' He is able to break it down for me where I can adjust a little bit faster. When you have a quarterback that's like that at a young age, you expect nothing from greatness from him.

The Jaguars play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at 1 p.m. from Mall of America Field. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. kick off with television coverage on CBS.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Maurice Jones-Drew Trying To Earn Back Starting Role

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is trying to regain his starting spot, currently occupied by Rashad Jennings. Jones-Drew talked to reporters after Wednesday's practice as to what's his focus right now.

Rashad (Jennings) has been here a couple of months longer than I have, so I have to kind of get acclimated to the offense. I have to show them the work to get my job back.

Jones-Drew held out of all of training camp and only reported to the Jaguars' home facility back on Sept. 1. Right now, there is no indication of how much playing time he'll get in Jacksonville's week one game against the Minnesota Vikings. Jones-Drew knows that he has to work hard to get his job back.

The competition is going to be great. Rashad has been playing well throughout preseason and throughout camp. I have a lot to catch up on and get back to my old self.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Jaguars Have Just 3 Healthy DE's For Opener

The Jacksonville Jaguars will only have three healthy defensive ends in their opening game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey plans to use defensive tackles on the edges against the Vikings.

Jeremy Mincey, Andre Branch and Aaron Morgan are the three defensive ends that are healthy. Backup defensive end Austen Lane is still recovering from a knee sprain. Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country breaks down how the rotation can work.

Morgan is more of a pure pass rusher that the team likes to use on passing downs, but rotating in some players like D'Anthony Smith and Tyson Alualu at defensive end should suffice for a week or so.

The Jaguars play the Vikings on Sunday, kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. The game will be televised on CBS.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings: Adrian Peterson A Game Time Decision

When the Jacksonville Jaguars kick off their season on Sunday, they may not have to do it against Minnesota Vikings superstar Adrian Peterson, who is trying to make an accelerated recovery from a torn ACL.

As Christopher Gates of the Daily Norseman writes, some Vikings fans have taken it for granted that their four-time Pro Bowl running back would start the season good as new. Coach Leslie Frazier offered this: "We'll talk about it as the week goes on and see how he's doing and if it's even a viable option to let him play."

It sounds like Peterson will be a game time decision. If AP is unavailable, Toby Gerhart, who averaged 4.9 yards per carry last season, will go in his stead. It's likely that the two end up splitting carries for much of the season.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings Odds: Jacksonville A Slight Underdog

The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minnesota Vikings open the season against each other, and the oddsmakers are naming the Jaguars as a slight underdog for Sunday.

Jacksonville opened as a 4.5-point underdog, according to OddsShark.com, but early betting has leaned heavily towards the Jaguars. Depending on which betting service you use, the Jaguars are now either a 4-point or a 3.5-point underdog.

This will be the first game for new Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey, who replaced longtime Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio over the offseason. The Jaguars received some good news earlier this week, as Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew reported to training camp after a holdout that lasted most of camp.

OddsShark listed the Over/Under for the game at 38, which will be played at Mall of America Field in Minneapolis.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

NFL Power Rankings: Jacksonville Jaguars Hold Down The 29th Spot

Power rankings are less than an exact science, but for the most part, they're fun to do.

Just about every sports website does power rankings and SB Nation is no exception. Heading into the start of the 2012 NFL season, we've decided to release our second power ranking list after all of the preseason games have been played and there's been a chance to project how each team will do based on our evaluations of their on-field exploits.

Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars could be a little disappointed as the team comes in 29th out of all 32 teams:

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 29): Blaine Gabbert is young enough where the improvement could come quickly. Or he could be really bad. The jury is still out.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Derek Cox Injury: Jaguars CB Likely Out Vs. Vikings

When the Jacksonville Jaguars open their 2012 NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings, they may be without one of their key players in the secondary. Derek Cox injured his left hamstring in Jacksonville's preseason opener and hasn't been available since.

Head coach Mike Mularkey spoke on the availability of Cox after the team's practice on Monday and confirmed that he won't be available in Week 1 and Will Middleton will start at cornerback in his stead:

(Any chance Derek Cox will play Sunday?)

"Probably not as we speak here. I want to see how he feels
after doing what he did. Even as little as he did today I want to see how he feels tomorrow."

(William Middleton will start?)

"Yes."

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Maurice Jones-Drew Isn't Sure How Much He'll Play In Week 1

Maurice Jones-Drew ended his hold out on Sunday, reporting to Jacksonville Jaguars camp after a 38-day holdout. After missing the entire preseason, it'll take a little bit to get MJD up to speed -- and he's not sure how much he'll be playing in Week 1.

Big Cat Country has a post with quotes from both Jones-Drew and Jags head coach Mike Mularkey, regarding MJD's playing time in Jacksonville's Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

"Yeah I'm going to do the best I can and be ready," Jones-Drew told reporters when asked if he would be ready to contribute on Sunday. "That's up to the coaches if they feel I'm ready. We're going to communicate on that and if they feel I'm ready I'll play, and if not that's their choice."

Jones-Drew spent much of the day on Sunday after his return to the team with running back Sylvester Croom.

How Jones-Drew looks in practice may very well dictate how much he's used in Week 1.

Be sure to check out Big Cat Country for the latest on all things Jaguars.

Brett Brackett Injury: Jaguars TE Leaves Practice

Tight end Brett Brackett left Jaguars practice on Monday after suffering a serious knee injury about 30 minutes into practice. Coach Mike Mularkey was near Brackett when the injury occured. When asked about the injury after practice, he did not mince words about the injury. "I saw the knee. It didn't look good when he planted."

Brackett was kept on the team to help replace Zach Miller, who has been battling injury issues for awhile now. Adam Stites of Big Cat Country does say that the Jaguars have a few options should Brackett miss a substantial period of time.

Namely, Colin Cloherty, a tight end that spent preseason and some of the 2011 season with the Jaguars could make a return or the team could look to acquire a new tight end like Chris Cooley or Mike Hoomanawanui.

The Jaguars will play the Minnesota on Sunday with kick off schedule for 1 p.m. at Mall of America Field. The game will be broadcast on CBS.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. The Daily Norsemen and SB Nation Minnesota have you covered for everything you need to know about the Vikings.

Jaguars Vs. Vikings Preview: Jacksonville Opens Season On Road

The Jaguars open the 2012 season against an NFC team dealing with a lot of the same question marks.