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Jacksonville Jaguars: Could Dante Fowler start the season on IR?

By Larry Brake

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is pursued by Dante Fowler Jr. #56 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is pursued by Dante Fowler Jr. #56 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Dante Fowler is currently battling through an injury and the Jacksonville Jaguars might place him on the injured reserve list to start the season

The career of Dante Fowler has been struck again by another injury. Fowler missed the 2015 season because of an injury. Remember, he was the third overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately for Fowler, Yannick Ngakoue is proving to be the better player. Jacksonville declined to pick up the option on Fowler’s contract. Subsequently, he needs to have a fantastic season to earn a big contract for 2019.

Hays Carlyon of 1010xl.com reported the following:

"Fowler missed the offseason program recovering from an upper-body injury. The Jaguars haven’t disclosed the injury (they don’t have to yet), but it’s obvious Fowler has lost sizable muscle mass in his upper body."

Carlyon asked Doug Marrone about the possibility of Fowler being ready for training camp:

"“We will just see,” Marrone said."

Marrone’s response does not sound very positive. Fowler can not afford to miss any more time. Most of all, it’s not a good thing to start and end your time with Jacksonville by injuries.

In 2016, Fowler played in all 16 games while starting only one. He had 32 total tackles and four sacks. This was basically his rookie season. Last season, Fowler played very hungry in which to prove his worth as such a high draft selection. He was in on 21 tackles with eight sacks and two forced fumbles. Consequently, he suffered another setback.

Rather than risk further injury, the Jaguars should place him on the injured reserve list. Fowler is a good player and will help Jacksonville in the playoff run. Actually, they need Fowler later in the season instead of in the beginning.

Next: NFL 2018: 10 Teams with best chance at going 16-0

Fowler should let his contract take care of itself. He will not improve his free agency by playing hurt. His NFL future might be as a designated pass rusher rather than an every down player. Let’s see how this plays out.

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