Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis tore his ACL in the ninth game of the season last year, ending his season early. Mathis was re-signed by the Jaguars this past offseason on a one-year deal and appears to be on the fast track to recovering from his injury. According to multiple reporters at the Jaguars OTA practices, he hopes to be ready by the team's mandatory mini-camp in mid-June.
"I've never had an ACL injury before, but the guys around me who have had it say that I am way ahead of schedule," Mathis told reporters today after practice. "They're surprised what I am doing at this time."
"If I come back like I expect to come back, then I expect to play," Mathis said. "That's never a doubt in my mind."
If Mathis can get back to practice for mini-camp, this would be a great step forward for the Jaguars defense, as it can begin the process of allowing the defensive backfield to start to take shape. Mathis will be competing with free agent Aaron Ross for the starting cornerback position opposite Derek Cox, with the loser sliding inside to nickel.
For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Rashean Mathis, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.