Dwight

Lowery

“Certainly those are players that we see being a part of our future,” Smith said. The Jaguars have plenty of room under the cap to sign their own key free agents and still make a run at a wide receiver. Lowery solidified one of the NFL’s poorest secondaries after coming over in a trade with the Jets.

Lowery reportedly talked to other teams Tuesday, but opted to re-sign with the club that acquired him from the Jets at final cuts last season. The former fourth-round pick appeared in 13 games in 2011, starting 11. He made 36 tackles and two picks, grading out above-average in coverage by Pro Football Focus. Lowery nets $4 million guaranteed in the deal.

Lowery earned a high coverage grade from Pro Football Focus and was often cited as the glue to a significantly improved secondary in his first year with the Jaguars. While the Jags certainly want to retain Lowery’s services, it appears they aren’t willing to overpay to do so.

Lowery had been battling a shoulder injury the past couple of weeks. With three starters out for the season, Lowery had been the best player in Jacksonville’s secondary of late.

Mincey was a revelation as the team’s top defensive lineman in his fifth season, grading out as a top-12 defensive end in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. CB Rashean Mathis, S Dwight Lowery, and DE Matt Roth are also expected to be high on Smith’s list of priorities.

The Jags were already playing without their three top cornerbacks, all on injured reserve. Once Lowery went down in the second quarter, Philip Rivers attacked for three touchdowns in five minutes. Although Jacksonville has been a prohibitive matchup for opposing passing games all season, that’s going to change in the fantasy playoffs.

Philip Rivers exploited new starting CBs Ashton Youboty and rookie free agent Kevin Rutland after Lowery went down with the injury in the second quarter. Even with Lowery returning, this secondary is still going to be one to exploit for fantasy purposes going forward.

It sounds like Lowery is dealing with a high-ankle sprain. Lowery is in the midst of a quiet season, notching just 18 tackles and zero picks through five games. Second-year pro Chris Prosinski will start in his absence.

Rashean Mathis (groin) is also active, though Aaron Ross draws the start at right cornerback. Jaguars inactives: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, FB Greg Jones, DL Jeris Pendleton, DT D’Anthony Smith, G/C Steve Vallos, S Chris Harris, and CB Will Middleton.

Clearly dealing with a high ankle sprain, Lowery hasn’t played since early October. Chris Prosinski started against the Packers and recorded four tackles.