Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton says he’s aiming to get back on the field before the team’s Week 9 bye. But after practicing Thursday for the first time since August, the veteran said he doesn’t want to push his limits.
“Being able to step back on the field with the guys and kind of get re-immersed in what they’re doing has been a big blessing for me,” Hamilton said Thursday. “I’m kind of just taking it day by day and seeing how it feels.
“I’m very eager, but I know I have to take my time and really make sure when I go out there that I’m myself going forward.”
On Thursday, the Jaguars opened the 21-day window for Hamilton to begin practicing before a return from the injured reserve.
Hamilton, 26, landed on the I.R. after preseason with what the team called a “non-football related medical issue” with his back. Two weeks ago, the Jaguars revealed that the nose tackle was dealing with an infection, telling reporters in a statement that Hamilton was nearly done taking antibiotics.
When asked Thursday about the specifics of the infection, Hamilton said that he’ll shed more light on the issue after he makes his return to the active roster.
A third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Hamilton recorded 4.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss in his first three seasons with the Jaguars. Earlier this year, the team signed Hamilton to a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension.
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