Eben

Britton

Guy Whimper started in his place. "(Britton’s) not quite ready to play a full game,’' HC Jack Del Rio said. “The plan was to (play him) 10-to-15 plays. His conditioning is getting better. He should be able to return to full duty probably next week.’' Britton began to emerge as a top-shelf run blocker in 2010, and his return will further bolster a Jags’ ground game that’s gotten off to a hot start.

Britton played the majority of his 2011 snaps at left guard. He was originally drafted to play right tackle, however, and the new Jaguars staff wants him there. It sounds like Will Rackley is viewed as the left guard, for now. Uche Nwaneri will return at right guard, and Eugene Monroe will be the left tackle.

Britton missed the majority of last season after landing on injured reserve in October with a back injury. Assuming he avoids a setback, he’ll be the favorite to bookend Eugene Monroe at right tackle.

Britton has insisted he’ll be ready for OTAs after landing on injured reserve in November, and hasn’t suffered any setbacks since he resumed running in February. If healthy, he should reclaim his starting left guard job in camp.

It sounds like the Jags are considering placing Britton on injured reserve, ending his season. “I think at some point I’ll be able to shed some light on it, but at this point I can just let you know he’s not going to be available this weekend,” coach Jack Del Rio said. Rookie Will Rackley will continue to start at left guard while Guy Whimper holds down the right tackle spot.

Britton’s season remains in doubt and could be a candidate for injured reserve. Robiskie was recently claimed off waivers from the Browns but is dealing with a hamstring injury and will likely need another week to learn the offense. C.J. Mosley fills in for Knighton. Bolen and Estes are end-of-the-roster types.

Britton had missed the Jaguars’ past four games, and recently experienced a “complication” from his preseason back surgery. Coach Jack Del Rio does not believe he’ll require another operation. Briefly the Jaguars’ starting left guard this season, Britton was limited to just seven games in 2010 thanks to knee and shoulder injuries. Back injuries tend to linger, but the former second-round pick should be ready for training camp next summer.

Britton’s back is structurally sound after minor surgery to repair a herniated disc last summer. After the setback cut his 2011 season well short, Britton hopes to participate in OTAs and expects to be fine for training camp. “I’ll be full-speed ahead, 100 percent,” he said. “I don’t feel injured. I have no pain anymore. At this point, it’s a matter of getting my body back to even.”

Britton was just allowed back in the team facility this week as he recovers from an infection of proprionibacterium in his back. He’ll be on antibiotics for four more weeks. Before going down, Britton was the Jags’ starting left guard. The fact that he avoided more structural damage in his back is a boost to the Jags’ line for 2012.

The position switch was necessitated by LG Will Rackley’s high ankle sprain, which will shelve him all preseason. Rackley played poorly enough as a rookie, though, that Britton may keep the job this year. Cameron Bradfield is now the starting right tackle, with Eugene Monroe on Blaine Gabbert’s blind side. C Brad Meester and RG Uche Nwaneri round out Jacksonville’s front five.