Jaguars expect WR Shorts to play against Rams

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts III is expected to play Sunday at St. Louis.

Shorts sat out practice Friday with a groin injury, but coach Gus Bradley says the team’s leading receiver should play against the Rams.

Shorts tweaked his groin during a walkthrough Wednesday, and the team has been cautious with him since.

Shorts has 26 receptions for 337 yards this season. The Jaguars hope the return of receiver Justin Blackmon from a four-game suspension will take some pressure off Shorts and maybe open up room for running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

The Jaguars (0-4) will be without tight end Marcedes Lewis (calf), defensive end Jeremy Mincey (concussion), safety Dwight Lowey (concussion), receiver Stephen Burton (concussion), receiver Mike Brown (back) and cornerback Dwayne Gratz (ankle) on Sunday.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org