CALAIS CAMPBELL, YANNICK NGAKOUE EXPECTED TO PLAY DESPITE INJURIES

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

The Jaguars expect to have their star pass rushers on the field in week two. 
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BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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Jaguars' defensive ends, Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue both missed Wednesday practice with injuries. Calais Campbell is dealing with a foot, while Yannick Ngakoue is fighting through a hamstring injury.

The two defensive ends are the catalyst for the Jaguars' vaunted pass rush. Despite their best efforts in week one, the Jags couldn't get Pat Mahomes on the ground. As a whole, the Jaguars racked up 11 pressures. In order to ensure the pass rush can get to Deshaun Watson in Houston this Sunday, the Jaguars need Campbell and Ngakoue to be available and effective. Opportunities to create pressure from all angles should be ample — the Texans surrendered 12 hits, two hurries, and four sacks against the Saints in week one. They also picked up seven offensive penalties.

On Thursday Campbell returned to the practice fields but was still on the injury report. Ngakoue, however, remained sidelined.

But some good news on the injury front came when Todd Wash spoke to the media Thursday morning. The Jaguars' defensive coordinator said he expects both pass rushers to be ready to go in week two. Ngakoue and Campbell lined up against Laremy Tunsil and Seantrel Henderson should is a huge mismatch on paper. The Texans' tackles gave up six combined pressures and were flagged for three total penalties. 

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Should Ngakoue not be able to take the field, Josh Allen will get his chance to shine. The rookie from Kentucky was the seventh-overall pick in April's draft. Allen starred in training camp and the preseason for the Jags and was effective in week one. He picked up the team's only sack, but it got negated thanks Myles Jack's temper tantrum. Allen still managed four pressures. 

The Jaguars also expect Marcell Dareus to return to the field after missing week one with an elbow ailment. He's still on the injury report but has been practicing this week. The Jaguars need their starting 3-tech to return to the field to be more effective against the run and help with the pass rush. 

Things seem to be trending in the right direction for Jacksonville's defense. Stay tuned for more. 

Follow Jordan on Twitter for all the latest Jaguars news and analysis. ​