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Daryl Smith injury: Jaguars LB may return from IR vs. Patriots

The Jaguars linebacker has missed the entire season so far with a groin injury, but could be able to return from IR to play against the Patriots.

By Peter Berkes
Sam Greenwood

Linebacker Daryl Smith has missed the entire season for the Jacksonville Jaguars after injuring his groin back in training camp. However, Smith may be able to return from injured reserve to play against the Patriots on Sunday. Smith was placed on IR, but had the ability to return to the active roster this season if healthy. He had surgery on his groin in October.

Without Smith, the Jaguars have struggled defensively this season. They rank 31st in the NFL in total defense, allowing over 394 yards per game, and are 29th in the league in terms of scoring defense, allowing over 27 points per game.

Head coach Mike Mularkey rated Smith's chances of playing as better than that of running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who has been out since Oct. 21 with a foot injury.

The Jaguars and Patriots get together on Sunday, Dec. 23, from EverBank Field in Jacksonville. The Patriots are over two touchdown favorites, according to Oddsshark.com.

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.