JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars might have lost their No. 1 receiver.
Marqise Lee, who led the team in catches last season with 56 for 702 yards and three touchdowns, injured his left knee in a 17-6 victory against the Atlanta Falcons during an exhibition Saturday night and could be out for the season.
Lee was carted off the field in the first quarter of the preseason matchup after cornerback Damontae Kazee went helmet-first into Lee’s knee and then twisted his leg. Lee fumbled on the play, but it was overturned because Kazee was flagged for leading with his helmet.
Coach Doug Marrone said “obviously it looked bad,” adding that Lee will have tests today to determine the extent of the injury. Teammates sounded resigned to Lee being sidelined an extended period, perhaps even the entire season.
“That’s tough,” Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles said. “You hate to see it anytime, especially in the preseason, and to a guy like that who’s been through what he’s been through and plays with the passion that he does, and everything that he’s put into this team and getting ready for this season. It’s tough to see.”
Lee was clearly in pain as he got helped onto the cart. Teammates and coaches walked across the field to offer well-wishes as he left the field. It was the kind of preseason injury that leaves everyone on both sidelines shaking their heads.
“At the end of the day, we’ve got to come together as a team, as a unit and pick up where he left off,” Jaguars receiver Dede Westbrook said.
Added fellow receiver Donte Montcrief: “Everybody’s got to step up. Everybody in the room’s got to be ready to go, from the young guys to me. He was one of the big roles in the offense.”
Lee signed a four-year, $34 million contract in March that included $16.5 million guaranteed. A second-round draft pick from the University of Southern California in 2014, Lee has 171 catches for 2,166 yards and eight touchdowns. He missed games because of various injuries in three of his four seasons.
If Lee misses time this year, the Jaguars would rely on second-year pros Keelan Cole and Westbrook, free-agent signee Moncrief and rookie D.J. Chark.
Atlanta, which fell to 0-3 this preseason, managed 96 yards in the first half and 261 for the game.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was 5-for-12 for 57 passing yards, and running back Tevin Coleman had seven carries for 38 yards, with 22 of those coming on one scamper.
“When you’re going against a good defense, that’s how the game is going to shake out,” Ryan said. “You’re going to have your opportunities at times to make plays. I don’t think we came away with all of them, but we certainly made some good ones as well.”
The bright spots for Atlanta were two interceptions against Blake Bortles, who played into the third quarter and finished 17-for-23 for 204 yards. Bortles was picked once on a tipped ball and another on a pass that sailed wide of a receiver.
Falcons placekicker Matt Bryant made his preseason debut after sitting out the first two games with an undisclosed injury. The 43-year-old drilled a 47-yard field goal to cap the opening drive and later added a 33-yarder.