When Macho Harris found out he was going to get an opportunity to work with the first-team defense at free safety during the Jaguars game, nothing was going to stop him from trying to prove what he could do. Not even the ankle bruise he suffered on his first play of the game during punt coverage.

"That's part of the game," Harris said. "Just try to tough it out and do what I'm coached to do."

Harris played several snaps at free safety, teaming with Quintin Mikell at strong safety, before coming out of the game because of the ankle injury. Harris said he was pleased with his performance, but admits he wasn't 100 percent.

"It's tough (to showcase yourself when you're not 100 percent physically), especially at this level," Harris said. "A bruised ankle, that's definitely tough, but my job is to bounce back and continue to make plays."

Harris' ankle isn't a major concern though, and he's back practicing at full speed.

One of the most impressive aspects of Harris' rise up the depth chart as a rookie fifth-round draft pick is that he is new to the safety position, having exclusively played cornerback at Virginia Tech.

"I'm still learning the ropes of safety," he said. "Playing corner ... you're more out on an island, covering one guy ... At safety, you're more the quarterback of the defense.

"It's still a learning process, but I'm getting better everyday."

While Harris isn't likely to be the opening day starter at free safety - Quintin Demps is penciled in - he is approaching practice and games as if he has something to prove.

"Coach (Sean) McDermott says everyday that there's a lot of guys fighting for a job," Harris said. "If the opportunity presents itself, of course, I'm going to try to win a job."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 1:47 p.m., August 29