JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Despite a flattering analysis of his early camp performance by Jacksonville Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin, first-round draft choice Marcus Stroud has suffered a setback from which he will have to quickly recover to regain his starting spot at right defensive tackle.

First the former University of Georgia star lost his eyebrows, victimized by the annual hazing of rookies by Jaguars veterans, a prank that left Stroud's face overly clean-shaven. Then during the Tuesday afternoon practice, Stroud lost his temper, throwing a roundhouse right toward backup offensive tackle Mark Baniewicz.

The effect of the first incident was a temporarily broken spirit. The result of the second, though, is a fractured right hand that could sideline Stroud for the next week.

"It's a tough lesson to learn," said Coughlin, confirming the fracture at the base of the hand. "It's unfortunate, because it is going to cost him some time, and no rookie can afford that."

The injury occurred late in the practice and Stroud, the 13th player selected overall in April, did not return to the session. The fracture was revealed by an x-ray on Tuesday evening.

Losing the giant rookie run-stuffer for any amount of time is a step backwards for the Jaguars, who must improve defensively to have a shot at a playoff berth. Jacksonville finished the 2000 season statistically ranked No. 12 in overall defense and 11th against the run. Those figures are deceiving, though, with opponents seemingly able to grind out yardage inside against the Jags when necessary, and with seven individual backs having posted 100-yard outings.

Coughlin specifically targeted Stroud, who really grabbed the attention of scouts at the Senior Bowl all-star game and with a very strong combine workout. Based in part on the success of the Baltimore Ravens last season, the big, 320-pound defensive tackle is in vogue again in the NFL and Stroud has a frame that can fill a door frame when he steps into a room.

"I know I can clog up the middle; that's kind of my game," said Stroud a few hours before the injury. "If I do my job, take on two (blockers) almost every play, then the linebackers should make a lot of tackles and the ends should get more sacks."

Stroud conceded that, early in camp, he has been overwhelmed at times by the intensity and the speed at the NFL level, but Coughlin assessed the rookie has clearly held his own. Perhaps the toughest moment for Stroud came when veterans attempted to shave his head. Protesting that he had worked too hard on his 'do, Stroud permitted the group to settle for his eyebrows instead.

"As you can see," he said, pointing toward his eyes, "they've put me in my place."

Unfortunately, now, it will be at least a week before Stroud regains his spot in the starting lineup.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.