THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSONVILLE - Running back Maurice Jones-Drew returned to practice Wednesday, a welcome sight for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jones-Drew missed practice Monday because of a bruised right leg. He got hurt in the final preseason game last week when Washington cornerback Fred Smoot tackled him low from behind, a hit Jones-Drew is still upset about.
He worked in full pads Wednesday, showing no problems running, cutting and catching passes.
"It's the first day, but I feel great," Jones-Drew said before practice. "Go out there, run around, have a good time, cut on it, catch balls, get in the fire and see how I dress when people are coming at me."
Coach Jack Del Rio said there's little doubt his offensive star will be ready to go when the Jaguars open the season at Indianapolis on Sunday.
"I'd rather have him be part of it for sure, so glad he'll be returning to practice, which is good," Del Rio said. "He's a good football player. He's one of our dynamic playmakers and … having him up for this game when there were questions out there - there really hasn't ever been a question for us - but I know it's been talked about. We're glad to have him clearly in the picture."
Jones-Drew has 517 yards rushing, 199 yards receiving and six touchdowns in six career games against the Colts. His rushing total is his most against any team.
"That's in the past," he said. "Every year is different. They've changed up their defense a little bit. We're starting to study how they fit and tackle. It's going to be a little different, but you just have to adjust and go out there and execute. When everybody executes, we all make plays and we all do well."
