Skip to main content

Maurice Jones-Drew joins first practice since holdout

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew's status for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings is uncertain, but the three-time Pro Bowl running back was able to participate in Monday's practice, NFL.com and NFL Network's Jeff Darlington reports.

"It felt great to be out there, get hit a little bit," Jones-Drew said Monday. "I'm feeling fine. I probably lost about 10 lbs -- it's a scorcher out there."

The Jaguars have a two-week roster exemption for Jones-Drew, who was allowed to practice because, as Darlington noted, the "three days of no practice window" for players joining teams applies to the preseason, not the regular season.

Team drills were closed to the media, but according to Darlington, Jones-Drew was in shoulder pads, helmet and shorts like the rest of his teammates and was observed taking hand-offs in individual drills.

Fourth-year pro Rashad Jennings will start against the Vikings, but coach Mike Mularkey has not ruled out having Jones-Drew available.

In order for Jones-Drew to play Sunday, the Jaguars will need to clear a spot on the 53-man roster by 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Follow Brian McIntyre on Twitter @brian_mcintyre.