Jaguars designate DT for return

Prior to placing DaVon Hamilton on IR, the Jaguars labeled his back injury a non-football-related medical issue. Doug Pederson revealed no return timetable existed. But the recently extended defensive tackle is now on his way back.

Hamilton returned to Jaguars practice Thursday, starting his 21-day activation clock. Players generally receive return designations earlier in the week. While Hamilton returning on a Thursday does not bode too well for his Week 6 availability, the Jags have until Nov. 2 to pull the trigger on his activation.

Jacksonville handed Hamilton a three-year, $34.5M extension this offseason, displaying confidence in the former third-round pick as a central defensive line cog. The fourth-year D-tackle has been out of action since late in the Jags’ training camp, but he looks to be close to putting this back issue behind him.

Hamilton’s return would strengthen a Jags run defense that already ranks fifth. The team is coming off holding the Bills to 29 yards on the ground. Pro Football Focus graded Hamilton as a top-30 interior D-lineman last season, touting his inside pass-rushing ability while still tabbing him as above average against the run. After working as a spot starter during his first two campaigns, Hamilton moved into the lineup on a full-time basis in 2022, starting 14 contests.

The Jags extended both Hamilton and Roy Robertson-Harris up front this offseason, and they have D-tackle Folorunso Fatukasi signed long-term as well. The team has made major investments in its front seven, having three cogs signed to veteran deals and three first-rounders (Josh Allen, Travon Walker, Devin Lloyd) in the fold as well. The Jags are on a two-game win streak, having rebounded in London. They are gunning for their first repeat division title since winning the AFC Central from 1998-99.