Jacksonville Jaguars Week 1 Stock Report

The NFL regular season begins this Sunday for the Jacksonville Jaguars after a long and promising offseason and an equally promising preseason. Before the opening game, however, it's time to check the stocks of the personnel.

This metaphorical stock market is seeing quite an active week, mostly thanks to final cuts as well as roster announcements, both of which will be discussed in this piece.

While the week coming up to the season opener is hectic and sees drastic change, it's an important one. The transition to a 53-man squad as well as preparing said squad for a game may happen in a matter of days, but it's essential.

Players know where they are at in the grand scheme of the team and whether they have to continue to perform at their current level or step their game up. There are just days left until the Week 1 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, so let's see where certain players are in the market.

Sen'Derrick Marks' and Gus Bradley's Varying Comments Leave a Standstill Shift

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Starting defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks, general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley have all made comments recently concerning Marks' readiness for Week 1. The comments conflict and don't provide a clear image of whether Marks will play this weekend. 

"I feel good about it," Marks said, per ESPN.com's Mike DiRocco. "I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’m going to keep on approaching it that way."

While a positive approach is important to recovery, it doesn't necessarily provide a direct answer to the situation, and there likely won't be one until this weekend. On the other hand, Bradley also provided some optimism in his words:

"

It’s tough to say. I don’t want to take away his spirit of thinking that it could [happen]. There are some barriers that we have to overcome to get him to that point, but in his mind he’s going to be ready, and in our doctor and trainer’s mind he’s going to be ready. He’s got a shot, and that’s just what we’re going off of. But is it a challenge? [An] uphill battle? Yes, it is.

"

Marks is a fine athlete, but injuries are nothing to play with. While the positive quotes are nice to hear, they don't necessarily confirm anything and, if anything, make the situation even more shaky.

There's no doubt that Marks is an important member of the Jaguars defense. It would be fantastic to have him in the opener, but the best move in this situation is to act with caution.

Jason Myers' Stock Continuing to Climb

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Jason Myers wasn't perfect against the Washington Redskins, but he was good enough, to put it simply. He knocked down one of his two field goals and made both of his extra points, essentially enough to give the Jaguars a 17-16 win.

His 47-yard field goal toward the end of the game was the go-ahead score, and that should certainly give him some confidence entering the season. While he missed a 56-yard attempt, knocking down the game-winner and his PATs are positive enough to put that in the past.

Myers is stepping into big shoes left by former kicker Josh Scobee, but there's a reason the Jaguars chose him over the aging Scobee, who is 33. They obviously think he can handle the pressure, but they are also willing to be patient.

Myers has the leg and the accuracy to kick in the NFL, as evidenced last Thursday night. His miss from deep wasn't necessarily far off either. It's only a matter of time before he hones in, and that only comes with reps and maturity.

It won't be an easy task for Myers to take on this role, especially considering he doesn't have any regular-season experience. However, this is the decision the Jaguars have made, and Myers will be better for it.

T. J. Yeldon's Stock Bubble Still High, but Fragile

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

Running back T.J. Yeldon has been the expected starter since being drafted, but his rank in the stable seemed at risk after his only preseason performance. He only totaled 10 yards on eight carries, but he was able to get in the end zone on a goal-line run.

According to John Oesher of Jaguars.com, Yeldon was named the starting RB by the team on Tuesday, which may have been a surprise for some but possibly not for others. It's hard to judge a rookie by one preseason game, but his absence due to injury and singular performance isn't an argument for him to start.

RB Denard Robinson has shown the same promise he showed last season and will enter the game as Yeldon's backup. He may be ready physically, but his lack of reps will be a concern all the same, and it's fair to say you don't have that concern with Robinson.

Yeldon certainly has the talent, but it's a big transition. It's always hard to predict the success of rookies, especially RBs, but this particular scenario is even more hazy.

Either way, having Robinson, Toby Gerhart, Bernard Pierce and Corey Grant in the backfield doesn't mean the Jaguars are out of luck if Yeldon struggles.

Tyson Alualu Stock Rises Thanks to Marks' Likely Absence

Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Oehser reported in his depth chart write-up that defensive tackle Tyson Alualu would take the 3-technique spot on the interior defensive line should Marks not play this weekend. Alualu has seen time on the inside, but this is a real chance for Alualu to make the impact many have expected over the years.

Alualu was listed as both Marks' backup and strong-side defensive end Jared Odrick's backup on the depth chart, but if Marks can't go, then Alualu will take his place. Marks is certainly the preferred option, but the Jaguars could do much worse than Alualu.

The 2010 NFL draft first-round pick has been criticized over the years, mostly due to the high expectations one has for a first-round pick. He hasn't been awful by any means, but it's fair to say that most fans expected more.

Should he start Sunday, it will be a prime opportunity for him to put in a good performance. He's seen time on the inside before, but starting at the 3-technique with the current personnel will be a first.

If Alualu can provide the impact the Jaguars have been looking for from the pass rush this preseason, he could see more time there. Having versatile players who perform is crucial, and being able to notch Alualu down as another one would be a major plus to start the season.

Chris Smith to See Plentiful Time at Leo, Rise in Stock and Potentially More

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

"Leo" defensive end Chris Smith is expected to see plenty of playing time, according to Oehser's aforementioned article. Smith will likely see time on first and second downs, with fellow defensive ends Chris Clemons and Ryan Davis coming in on third downs.

Like Alualu, Smith is benefiting from an injury. DE Andre Branch is out for a significant time with a knee injury, which means that the reps have to go somewhere, and it seems like Smith is benefiting the most from that. 

The sophomore pass rusher is hoping to build off a promising rookie season, in which he grabbed three sacks and a forced fumble in just seven games. It's not often that a player can make that kind of impact on such a small amount of games, but Smith has that kind of raw talent.

As he matures and continues to see more time on the field, it will hopefully translate into even better results. The Jaguars have plentiful depth at the Leo position right now, but Smith is relevant all the same.

Having Smith taking the majority of reps on first and second down will keep the aging Clemons fresh, and Davis will come in for both when needed. They'll be crucial this Sunday, and a big part of that success will rely on Smith's performance.

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.