JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 29, 2005) -- Matt Jones had a short first day with the Jacksonville Jaguars, missing most of the afternoon practice after straining a hamstring.
Jones, the former Arkansas quarterback who will be a receiver for the Jaguars, was the team's first-round draft pick, the 21st overall selection. He strained his left hamstring and wasn't sure when he would return to the lineup.
"Who knows?" he said. "I'm going to get some treatment on it and we'll see."
The injury ruined an otherwise spectacular debut for the 6-foot-6 Jones.
On one of the first plays of the morning session, Jones sped past cornerback Chris Thompson and made a sliding catch for a 15-yard gain. He also made several tough receptions over the middle and didn't drop a ball.
"Big Country is out there getting open," quarterback Byron Leftwich said. "He caught everything I threw to him."
Jones said parts of Jacksonville's new offense were similar to what he ran at Arkansas, something Leftwich believed would help the rookie.
"His head is spinning right now with the formations," Leftwich said. "The good thing is he's a natural quarterback up top. He thinks like a quarterback and just by talking to him on the plays, he kind of knew what I was thinking. Anytime you have a guy like that, it always helps."
Defensive tackle John Henderson and defensive end Marcellus Wiley also were injured in the afternoon session. Henderson had his right knee wrapped in ice, and Wiley strained his left hamstring.
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