Doug Marrone expecting Brandon Linder, Andrew Wingard to return from injuries soon

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered their Week 3 game against the Miami Dolphins without center Brandon Linder, but it appears he has a chance to be back Week 4. According to coach Doug Marrone, Linder is trending upward and should be able to practice Monday.

Linder injured his knee in the Jags’ Week 3 game against the Tennessee Titans. The injury occurred early in the third quarter and Tyler Shatley was inserted into the game in his place. Shatley also started in Thursday’s game against the Dolphins, marking his eight career start at center.

As the leader of the Jags’ offensive line, it would be huge to have Linder back in the trenches, especially when considering the Jags’ struggles to run the ball Week 3. The team only had 72 rushing yards against the Dolphins and that simply must change if they are to have success.

The Jags will also likely be getting receiver D.J. Chark (chest/back) back soon, who is arguably the best player on the team. Marrone said it was just a matter of him clearing a few tests, so it feels like his chances are good for a Week 4 return. That’s great news because the Jags’ offense didn’t function all that well without him against the Dolphins and the group failed to register a passing touchdown.

Marrone also stated that the team hopes to have safety Andrew Wingard back on the practice field Monday after he left Thursday’s game with a core muscle injury. Wingard was filling in for the Jags’ initial starter at safety, Jarrod Wilson, who sustained a hamstring injury Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve afterward. Brandon Watson filled in for Wingard Thursday, so it looks like he’ll be the one to start for the second-year player if he’s not available against the Cincinnati Bengals.