Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith will be sidelined at least an additional eight games after being declared a designated to return player on injured reserve on Thursday.

Smith has yet to play at all during the 2012 regular season due to a lingering groin injury the veteran initially sustained during training camp. Under the designated to return rules, he will be able to resume practicing after six weeks and would be eligible to play in the Jaguars' final two contests.

The 30-year-old has spent all nine of his NFL seasons with Jacksonville and has started 122 games over that span. Smith had registered over 100 tackles in each of the last seven campaigns and has tallied 21 1/2 sacks, 59 tackles for loss, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries during his career.

Prior to this season, Smith had missed only three games due to injuries and had appeared in all 16 games in three consecutive years.

The Sports Network