Jones-Drew prepares for limited duty in opener


Maurice Jones-Drew will play in the season opener, but how effective will he be? (Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Running back Maurice Jones-Drew practiced for the first time with the Jacksonville Jaguars since ending his 38-day contract holdout and is expected to play in the regular-season opener Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jones-Drew was wearing shoulder pads, helmet and shorts and taking handoffs during drills on Monday, NFL.com reported. The morning practice was closed to the media.

Rashad Jennings will start at running back against the Vikings, but Jones-Drew will “get some reps to get Rashad rest” as a third-down back, coach Mike Mularkey said.

During a news conference on Sunday, Jones-Drew called himself “game ready.