A team statement Thursday said there would be no comment regarding Smith's statement until team officials communicated with Smith. Marrone's post-practice comments Friday were the first by a Jaguars official since Smith's announcement.

"I really believe in my heart that Telvin knows that we're here to support him in any which way," Marrone said. "Not just myself, but the coaches, the organization, his teammates. I'm sure he's aware of that. All we can do is make sure we pray. He knows that if he needs some support, obviously we're here for him."

Marrone also discussed needing to be prepared for such circumstances.

"You're prepared for things; you really are," he said. "You've got to be ready for anything – injuries, retirements, stepping away … whatever it may be."

The Jaguars selected outside linebacker Quincy Williams from Murray State in Round 3 of the 2019 NFL Draft late last month. Since the end of the 2018 season they added multiple veteran linebackers, signing Jake Ryan from the Green Bay Packers early in free agency and signing veterans D.J. Alexander, Najee Goode and Ramik Wilson shortly after the April 25-27 draft. They also claimed James Onwualu shortly after the draft.

"We've done a good job," Marrone said. "We were able to bring in a couple of linebackers with D.J., Najee and Ramik that we're happy with. Obviously, we have Quincy Williams in here now. We're going to work with those guys and we feel good."

Marrone was asked if Smith appeared to be struggling with any issues late last season.

"No," Marrone said. "Telvin's a strong man. He feels like a lot of the guys on this team – that can handle their situations. We just want to make sure that everyone knows we're there to support them. If they reach out—and hopefully each player does; not just Telvin – to know they don't have to do anything alone. We're here for them.

"You've got to take football and put it to the side. It's not about football. It's making sure he's OK. That's the part we want to be able to help him with.

"Obviously, we respect his decision. I know in my heart that he knows not only us as coaches but his teammates and the organization … we're here to support him in any way we can."

Marrone also addressed whether he had an idea before Thursday Smith might not play in 2019.