Jaguars’ Doug Pederson: Dawuane Smoot ‘Should Be Good To Go’ vs. Colts

The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be getting one of the most important pass-rushers on their roster back on the field this weekend. 

Outside linebacker Dawuane Smoot, who began the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list after a season-ending Achilles injury last year, will likely make his 2023 debut this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. 

"Smoot should be good to go. He’s had two good weeks of practice, he feels good. We’ll get through today and make that determination, but he should be, all indications there that he would be ready to go for this game," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Friday.

A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Smoot appeared in 90 games for the Jaguars over the past six seasons, recording 22.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. One of the best developmental stories in recent Jaguars history, Smoot was able to become one of the Jaguars' most reliable pass-rushers in recent seasons as he transitioned to more of an inside/outside role that saw him line up in multiple positions.

At the time of his Achilles injury against the New York Jets in Week 16, Smoot was second on the team in pressures, fourth in quarterback hits, first in sacks, and second in pass-rush win rate. He recorded five sacks in each of the last four seasons, recording 22.5 sacks in that span and often looking like Jacksonville's most consistent pass-rusher.

“Well, he brings a veteran leadership and presence out there. You can play him in base defense, you can play him in nickel in pass rush situations," Pederson said. 

"There’s his production that comes from being inside and all of that on third down and stuff. I don’t think you want to put him on a pitch count, but I think you have to monitor, and you don’t want to get his rep count too high. But at the same time, you want to let him get comfortable with the game and see how he is doing throughout the course of three hours or so that you’re out there."