Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman DaVon Hamilton is making progress in his recovery from a back problem, according to head coach Doug Pederson.
“He’s doing extremely well,” Pederson said of Hamilton on Thursday. “Obviously, it’s a non-football-related injury. He’s doing extremely well, and our doctor said that he could be back in our building as early as next week, so we’re happy for that.”
Hamilton, 26, signed a contract extension with the Jaguars in April and was putting together an impressive training camp and preseason before suffering what the team called a “non-football related medical issue.” Earlier this week, Pederson told reporters that Hamilton was “doing much better,” but the coach wasn’t ready to provide a timeline for the lineman’s return.
With Hamilton out of action, Pederson said the team will rely on the contributions of Adam Gotsis and Jeremiah Ledbetter to fill the void. But the coach said Thursday that the Jaguars wouldn’t have a problem with Hamilton getting right back into the lineup when healthy.
“As a veteran player, you know what he can do,” Pederson said. “It’s been unfortunate with the issues he’s been dealing with, not getting the reps, but I wouldn’t have any problem with that. It would be more about where he is physically at the time.”
Hamilton has recorded 132 tackles through three seasons with Jacksonville and has 4.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries.
