JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2006) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars expect to have rookie running back Maurice Jones-Drew back in the lineup against New England on Dec. 24.
They're not sure about Fred Taylor.
Jones-Drew and Taylor, the duo that has the Jaguars ranked second in the league in rushing, were hurt in the Jags' 24-17 loss at Tennessee on Dec. 17. Taylor reinjured his right hamstring on his second run of the game -- a 35-yard gain in the first quarter -- and did not return.
"The word I got from the training staff was that he was better (Monday) than he was last week the day after the game," coach Jack Del Rio said. "It's just a matter of whether or not he'll be able to go this week or need to wait."
Jones-Drew jammed his knee in the fourth quarter on a 37-yard reception. He hobbled toward the sideline and was helped off the field. X-rays were negative.
"The news that I got back was that he was feeling better than anticipated and that we expected to have him this week, so that was good news," Del Rio said.
Taylor has 1,120 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Jones-Drew has 764 yards on the ground, 379 yards receiving, 731 return yards and 13 total touchdowns.
