Jags' Lageman Out For Season

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeff Lageman was placed on injured reserve today and will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn bicep in his right arm during Sunday's victory against the Chicago Bears.

Lageman sustained the injury trying to tackle running back Edgar Bennett on the Bears' opening drive and will undergo surgery Thursday.

"I'm extremely disappointed, but I have to get this surgery done so I can begin the process of healing and rehabbing," said Lageman. "I will remain a part of the team, and I'll be there to support my teammates and to perform a positive role, even though I can't be on the field."

Lageman signed as an unrestricted free agent with Jacksonville in 1995 and ranks fourth on the team's all-time sacks list with 12 ½ and sixth with 175 tackles. He started all 16 games in 1997, but was limited to 23 contests during his first two seasons with the club due to foot and knee problems.

The 31-year-old played his first six years with the New York Jets, who made him the 14th overall pick of the 1989 draft. In 122 NFL games, he has 555 tackles, 47 sacks and12 forced fumbles.

The Jaguars already are without defensive end Tony Brackens, who is sidelined indefinitely with a sprained left ankle. Defensive tackles Kelvin Pritchett and Don Davey are also recovering from major knee surgeries.

Former Minnesota Viking Fernando Smith will likely start in place of Lageman.

Jacksonville signed free agent defensive end Eric Curry to take Lageman's roster spot. Curry, the sixth overall pick of the 1993 draft by Tampa Bay, played the last five seasons with the Buccaneers, starting 40 of 41 games from 1993-95, but just four of 18 his final two years.

He recorded 12 sacks, 84 tackles and seven forced fumbles with Tampa Bay.

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