Ekness (calf) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.
Ekness has been on the shelf since June 1 due to a right calf injury, which was severe enough for him to shift to the 60-day injured list three weeks later. He's progressed enough in his recovery to start a rehab assignment, and given the length of his IL stint, he'll likely need a few minor-league games under his belt before he's cleared to return to the Marlins.