Although he was activated from Jacksonville’s physically unable to perform list Tuesday, new Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead was kept out of the club’s joint practice with Tampa Bay Wednesday.
Armstead isn’t rushing his return to action following February surgery on a torn meniscus, which he suffered during his 2023 and final season with the 49ers.
He has yet to practice since signing a three-year, $43.5 million with the Jaguars in March, aside from participating in a walkthrough Wednesday morning before the joint session officially began.
“I’m just going with the process that they have for me. And I’m feeling great,” Armstead told reporters about his status Wednesday, asked if he wants to play in one or both of Jacksonville’s upcoming preseason games, this Saturday and next Friday.
“I’m getting better and better each day. I’m going to continue with the plan and get myself ready in a position to be out there to help my team win. So that’s what I’m doing currently.”
While he has been unable to strap up the pads with his new team, Armstead’s influence has already been felt in Jacksonville.
Jaguars coaches including defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and head coach Doug Pederson have commended Armstead for the veteran presence he has brought to the team, likening him to an unofficial coach as he has mentored younger players during his absence from the field.
“Awesome guy. Football guy. He’s a really good person, really into it. Helps the players a lot,” Nielsen described Armstead Wednesday.
“10-year career, a lot of success, a couple of Super Bowls that he’s gone to. You get that whole experience. It’s invaluable. Looking forward to getting him back, getting him through some walkthroughs and things like that, but he’s been all locked in. Couldn’t say enough good things about him, really.”
In nine seasons with the 49ers, Armstead recorded 302 tackles with 43 for loss, 33.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and six defended passes. He added 38 tackles with six for loss, eight sacks and one forced fumble in 12 playoff games, including appearances in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII.
Paired with his disruptive nature along the defensive line, the Jaguars believe Armstead’s vast pro experience and the advice he provides to fellow players could prove monumental for the entire squad.
Armstead has stressed throughout his first offseason in Jacksonville that his new teammates “take ownership” of their goals, both individually and as one unit, and constantly strive to accomplish them considering the “short window” of an average NFL career.
For the Jaguars, the team-wide objective is reaching and winning the first Super Bowl in franchise history. Accomplishing that feat in the next three years while he is under contract would result in Armstead winning his first championship, after coming up short twice with the 49ers previously.
Armstead is convinced Jacksonville’s goal is attainable.
“We have a talented group. I wouldn’t have come here, signed here if I didn’t feel like I was coming to a team that has a real opportunity to win a Super Bowl,” Armstead expressed.
“I think we have all the pieces to get it done, and I’m excited to get out there and be a part of that journey and that process of getting there.”