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Jaguars DL DaVon Hamilton is close to returning, begins 21-day practice window
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- Jaguars DL DaVon Hamilton is close to returning, begins 21-day practice window
DaVon Hamilton is nearing his return to play with the Jacksonville Jaguars after the team started his 21-day practice window Wednesday. The former third-round pick in 2020 has become a staple on the team's defensive line, playing multiple roles throughout the last three seasons.
Hamilton has 21 days from Wednesday to be activated, otherwise, he will not be able to return to the field this year. He can be activated at any point until that three-week deadline.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) puts pressure on New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Hamilton, entering his fourth season with Jacksonville, signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension in April. Hamilton has been sidelined indefinitely after a back issue occurred during the second week of preseason during the team's joint practices against the Detroit Lions .
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Encouraging news: Jaguars provide update on DL DaVon Hamilton; too early to provide return-to-play timeline
On Wednesday, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson stated the team was "getting close with DaVon Hamilton, of getting him into some practice."
He has missed the last eight weeks due to the injury and was placed on IV antibiotics administered via a PICC line to eradicate the ailment. He recently finished the PICC line but did not travel with the team to London.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Hamilton did not want to discuss anything involving his back ailment prior to being activated by the team but did note that he is itching to get back on the field and hopes to be back before the team's Week 9 bye week.
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"That's the plan," he said. "I want to get on the field as soon as possible, but like I said, just gotta take my time and make sure I'm fully there."
Even though he was unable to train exactly how he was used to training, Hamilton said that he maintained his weight "pretty well" throughout the process. He was around the team throughout the process, so he was able to stay acclimated in that regard but is finally back on the practice field.
Hamilton has started 28 games for Jacksonville, playing in 44. He started 14 games last season and accounted for 56 total tackles, five tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.
Hamilton has totaled 132 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks in his career.
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Hamilton looks to bring an added presence along the team's defensive line as they continue through the season. Over the next 21 days, Jacksonville will face the Indianapolis Colts (Oct. 15), New Orleans Saints (Oct. 19) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (Oct. 29) before a Week 9 bye week.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 .
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars start 21-day practice window for DL DaVon Hamilton
