New OT Albert rusty in return

JACKSONVILLE — Eight weeks after his new teammates began the Jaguars’ voluntary off-season program, left tackle Branden Albert debuted during Tuesday’s opening practice of mandatory mini-camp.

Having passed a conditioning test and received his playbook on Monday, Albert was thrown in the figurative fire – individual drills, team work and post-practice sprints – just like every offensive lineman. And it showed. Albert appeared winded at times and committed two false start penalties, but at least he was on the field, ending his futile quest for a new contract.

“After taking six months off … just battling with the guys and being in this heat, you’re never going to be perfect on the first day,” Albert said in his first comments since March 10. “I’m not worried about it. It’s the [middle] of June. It’s not game-time yet. I feel blessed to be here and be back playing football.”

Albert made a smart move in reporting to mini-camp. His $8.9 million becomes fully guaranteed if he is on the Week 1 roster and the only way that happens is if he starts at left tackle. And he can’t win that job by not showing up.

Coach Doug Marrone said Albert looked, “probably like a guy who hasn’t been here for a long period of time. In my experience, it’s been the same way. It’s not an indictment on the player personally, but every player who hasn’t been around their teammates, when they come back for their first practice, it’s never going to be where you want them to be.”

Josh Wells and Cam Robinson remained the top two left tackles during team drills. Albert said he had “never” worked as a third-stringer before in the NFL.

Just because he’s scheduled to earn $8.9 million this year does not mean Albert was allowed to rocket to the top of the depth chart.

Throughout practice, Albert interacted with the other linemen, suggesting there are no hard feelings. But what about Marrone? He was disappointed earlier this offseason when Albert would not communicate with him – he failed to show on April 17 and a source said there was no contact between coach and player until a month later. Marrone balked when asked if he and Albert have to rebuild a relationship.

“I’m not looking to build any bridges with anyone,” Marrone said. “I’m looking to build a good football team and a winning football team.”