Marcell Dareus in Philadelphia to Treat Core Muscle Injury
Jacksonville Jaguars starting defensive Tackle Marcell Dareus will be missing Wednesday's practice due to traveling to Philadelphia due to a core muscle injury he sustained in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wednesday that Dareus would be traveling to Philadelphia to receive a second opinion from Dr. William Meyers. Rapoport noted that if Dareus' injury would require surgery, it would sideline him for at least a month.
Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said Wednesday that Dareus wasn't in Philadelphia to get a second opinion but rather get treatment for his injury, and he still hopes he can get back on the field sooner than later.
"No, he is in Philadelphia getting treatment and then he will be back and then hopefully he will be back on the field," Marrone said. "That is our goal, that is what we have talked about. That is what I have talked about with Marcell."
Dareus has been a core piece of Jacksonville's defense since he was traded to the Jaguars by the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 27, 2017 for a sixth-round draft pick that later turned into a fifth-round draft pick. He was able to step in and start right away for a defense that struggled vs. the run, helping the unit become closer to average than they were before.
Dareus' play has slipped to an extent this season but he has been more disruptive in recent weeks than he was at the start of the season. He has 13 total tackles, 0.5 sacks and one tackle for loss.
If Dareus misses any time, Abry Jones, Dawuane Smoot and Taven Bryan would all likely see an increase in snaps, with rookie defensive tackle Dontavius Russell also likely to become active on gamedays.
