Matt

Roth

Roth picked up a neck injury in practice this week. With Aaron Kampman (knee) also out, Austen Lane and Jeremy Mincey figure to be the Jags’ top two ends. Other Jaguars inactives: WR Kassim Osgood, OL Cameron Bradfield, C Jason Spitz, DT C.J. Mosley and CB Rod Issac.

It’s encouraging news, as Roth was still experiencing concussion symptoms in late December, more than a month after shutting it down for the season. Roth is ready to begin working out again, which should lead to a signing later in the offseason.

The Jaguars showed no interest in re-signing Roth after he missed seven games due to concussion issues last season. Although he’s been given a clean bill of health, Roth’s only other known visit was to Cincinnati in late March.

Roth was limited to nine games by a concussion for the Jaguars last season, but was recently given a “clean bill of health.” If he could stay healthy, Roth would provide pass-rushing depth for a defensive line that’s lost Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker in free agency. However, it’s unclear if he remains an option for the Bengals after they signed DEs Derrick Harvey and Jamaal Anderson.

In other words, even if the bottom falls out of his market, Roth won’t be receiving an offer from the Jags. Recently cleared to resume playing after a concussion ended his 2011 in November, Roth visited the Bengals on Friday. He hasn’t received any other known interest.

Roth was aiming for a return last week, but he’s yet to receive the green light. The slow return from the mid-November concussion is a concern heading into free agency this offseason.

Jags NT Terrance Knighton (ankle) is active after being listed as questionable. Jacksonville’s defense is still incredibly short handed without Roth and Kampman, not to mention Rashean Mathis, Derek Cox, and Will Middleton. If San Diego is ever going to have an offensive explosion, tonight should be the night.

Roth could never get cleared to return to practice after getting his bell rung in Week 11. Although players are often sent to injured reserve with minor injuries late in the season, Roth’s slow recovery is a huge concern in a walk year. An underrated pass rusher since coming into the league in 2005, Roth had a slow developing market last summer before inking a $3 million deal with the Jags. Ideally, he’ll end up with a team in 2012 that runs a 3-4 defense.

These are usually concussions. The players will not return to the game.

Roth considered playing through the headaches, but opted against it after hearing from other NFL players. He hopes to be cleared of symptoms in a few weeks. An impending free agent, Roth wants to return to Jacksonville in 2012.