Garrard limited in return to practice, could play against Titans

Published: Nov 07, 2007 at 02:39 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars quarterback David Garrard practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday and could return against Tennessee.

Garrard ran without pain last week, but the real test was getting through his first practice since suffering a high ankle sprain Oct. 22 against Indianapolis.

"It's going to be obvious if I can do it," Garrard said before practice Wednesday. "If I can't, then it'll be obvious as well. I don't want to be hobbling. I don't feel like I'll be able to play my game if I'm hobbling around or gimping around. I've never played like that."

The Jaguars (5-3) started the season 4-1 thanks mostly to Garrard. He injured his left ankle early against the Colts and sat out the last two games. Quinn Gray started in his place.

Coach Jack Del Rio said Garrard needs to move well to have a chance to play Sunday against the Titans, who are fourth in the AFC with 22 sacks.

"They apply great pressure on the quarterback and he's going to have to be able to move to protect himself," Del Rio said.

Del Rio said it could be a game-time decision, but Garrard believes he might know one way or the other in the next few days.

"If I'm barely moving around practice at full speed and can barely keep up, then we'll know then," he said. "If I do fine, come in (Thursday) morning and it's swollen and it's really bothering me, then we'll know then. You just have to go through the evaluation process.

"I have to be smart. There's a lot of games left. I want to make sure the ankle's right before I come back. I don't want to get out there and damage it more and then I'm out for the rest of the season."

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