JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jaguars signed running back Kolby Smith on Wednesday to help offset the loss of rookie Deji Karim, and they also waived linebacker Kris Griffin.
Karim, a sixth-round draft pick from Southern Illinois, was the Jaguars' primary kick returner, but he injured his left hand during Saturday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins and had surgery Tuesday. Karim is expected to return, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said the rookie won't be available for Saturday's game at Tampa Bay.
Smith played in 27 games for the Kansas City Chiefs since entering the NFL as a fifth-round pick in 2007. He was signed by the Denver Broncos on June 15 and waived three weeks ago.
Smith was hampered by injuries last season and played in just four games. His most productive year came in 2007, when he ran for 407 yards and two touchdowns.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
