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Monday, July 28
Updated: July 29, 1:50 PM ET
 
Smith kept from practicing outdoors

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Defensive lineman Larry Smith rejoined the Jaguars on Tuesday but didn't practice outdoors, one day after being hospitalized after collapsing twice on the field during the second day of training camp.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Smith underwent final tests Monday and was reported to be in good condition.

Smith wasn't the only player who had trouble handling the heat Sunday. Defensive linemen John Henderson and Marcus Stroud went down with cramps in the 87-degree weather. Henderson also collapsed Tuesday and was taken to a hospital.

Henderson sat out of most of Sunday's practice. He said he didn't eat and drink enough at breakfast.

The Jaguars met Monday to re-emphasize the importance of proper nutrition and hydration.

Coach Jack Del Rio and trainer Mike Ryan discussed many of the same points they made during a similar meeting before training camp started.

"Some guys learn different ways," Del Rio said. "I'm sure for the remainder of camp, the guys that were here yesterday, and saw firsthand what happens when you don't follow the directions that were given, I think that's as good a teaching tool as you'd like.

"I'd rather not have it happen that way, but I think the rest of the team really understands what we're saying."

For the first time, the Jaguars have a practice field made of artificial turf, in addition to two grass fields. The team was working on the artificial surface -- which is often hotter than grass -- when Smith went down. Del Rio kept them off that field Monday.

Also, under former coach Tom Coughlin, the Jaguars often waited until the third day of camp to practice in full pads. They worked in full pads Sunday, the second day.

NFL coaches took part in a mandatory conference call with the league last week to discuss hydration issues.

"It was a nice tool made available by the league to allow the interaction among the coaches, and to get that information out to everyone," Del Rio said.

On Monday, the widow of Vikings lineman Korey Stringer sued the NFL in federal court, accusing the league of fostering a "deadly culture" of abusive exercise that contributed to her husband's death.

Stringer, a 335-pound Pro Bowl lineman, collapsed two years ago at the Vikings' training camp. His body temperature was 108.8 degrees when he arrived at a hospital, and he died 15 hours later.

Despite Sunday's scare, Del Rio said he was happy with the way his training staff reacted.

Within moments of Smith's collapse, the staff removed the top of his uniform, put ice on him, sponged him down and then got him standing up before he fell again. The paramedics strapped him to a stretcher and gave him an IV in the ambulance.




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Jags coach Jack Del Rio reacts to Larry Smith's collapse.
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