Almost one year suffering a gruesome knee injury during a preseason game, Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Marqise Lee returned to practice Saturday.
The Jaguars removed the 27-year-old veteran from the physically unable to perform list.
Lee suffered a torn left ACL during the Jaguars’ third preseason game on Aug. 25, 2018 against Atlanta. Falcons safety Damontae Kazee hit him low at full speed and was flagged for lowering his head.
Lee said after practice that he plans to play on Sept. 8 when the Jaguars open the season against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“My goal is honestly to be ready,” Lee told reporters. “As far as the doctors, I can’t speak for the doctors and the coaches as far as what they plan for me to be. As far as me, I’m going to continue to take it day by day, try to improve, try to pick up my volume as far as the workload and hopefully be out there by the time it’s time to go.”
Lee was the Jaguars’ leading receiver in 2017, catching 56 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. In his first four seasons, he had 171 receptions for 2,166 yards and eight scores.
Lee needs to develop rapport with new quarterback Nick Foles, something that will have to occur through practice sessions with Lee not expected to play in either of the final two preseason games.
“It’s all mental at this point,” Lee said. “I feel like, the physical aspect of it, I did all the rehab and things I need to do, so now I just got to make sure I stay calm and take it slow. It’s no worries. I think I’m going to be fine as long as I just manage and take care of myself.”
Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone said last week that the team was preparing to start the regular season without Lee and injured left tackle Cam Robinson (knee). But Robinson returned to practice earlier in the week and now Lee has joined him on the field.
