Eugene

Monroe

It was an aggravation of an injury he originally suffered in Week 4, so the Jaguars’ blindside protector could be staring at some lost time. The Jags travel to Pittsburgh in Week 6, and do not go on bye until Week 9. In Monroe’s absence Sunday, Guy Whimper shifted from right to left tackle. The last thing rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert needs is uncertainty along his offensive line.

“For me, there’s no weight issue,” Monroe said. “The way it was handled last year, I didn’t really like it. I’m going to do what I need to do from a physical standpoint to be at my best on the field. I’m big enough to perform at a high level.’' Pro Football Focus ranked Monroe as the league’s seventh-best tackle last season, and particularly high in run blocking. His presence could play an important role in the development of Blaine Gabbert.

Monroe is listed as questionable after missing practice Friday because of a mid-week ankle injury. If he is unable to play, Cameron Bradfield will move over from his natural right tackle position to replace him. The former eighth overall pick, Monroe has graded out as the 12th best left tackle this season by Pro Football Focus.

There are no further details available. Monroe sat out last week against the Saints, and Cameron Bradfield held down Blaine Gabbert’s blindside effectively. Bradfield will again get the left tackle nod with Guy Whimper on the right.

Blaine Gabbert’s blindside protector missed each of the Jaguars’ past two preseason games. With no end in sight to Maurice Jones-Drew’s holdout, Monroe’s health will be a must if Gabbert is to have any hope of making meaningful early-season strides.

Monroe has now missed virtually the entire preseason. The Jags compensated by kicking RT Cameron Bradfield to the left side and inserting Guy Whimper on the right. It’s a concern for both the running game and Blaine Gabbert as Monroe has established himself as a top-10 offensive tackle in the league.

Monroe has started 58 of a possible 64 games since being the No. 8 overall pick in the 2009 draft. He’s arguably Jacksonville’s best player, excelling both as a pass and run blocker. Entering the final year of his contract, Monroe is a prime candidate for extension this offseason.

While there is no indication Monroe is dissatisfied with his contract, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2009 draft is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Arguably the most talented player on the roster, we expect the team to explore an extension sooner rather than later.

It’s puzzling, as the soon-to-be 26-year-old is one of the Jags’ best players. The No. 8 pick of the 2009 draft, Monroe graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 left tackle last season. The lack of talks may indicate the Jags plan to spend the No. 2 pick on a tackle, but teams rarely let players like Monroe walk. He’d be a candidate for the 2014 franchise tag if a new deal isn’t reached.

They also aren’t going to extend Maurice Jones-Drew, who like Monroe is in a contract year. The Jaguars have been ultra-conservative and patient through Caldwell’s first half-offseason, only lightly tapping into the free-agent market and refusing to make any bold moves that cost big money. They’ll be able to roll over a top of cap space into 2014. If Monroe excels in rookie OC Jedd Fisch’s 2013 offense, he’ll likely be tagged or extended early next offseason.