Injury news – Page 9 – Syndication Server

Jaguars monitoring one player’s injury status entering Week 1

The Jaguars are “pretty healthy at this stage,” per head coach Doug Pederson, with only safety Daniel Thomas under the injury microscope ahead of Jacksonville’s Week 1 matchup at Miami on Sunday.

Thomas suffered a foot injury during the preseason which ruled him out of Jacksonville exhibition matchups with Tampa Bay and Atlanta in August.

A fifth-round pick by Jacksonville in 2020, Thomas has appeared in 56 games and started four for the Jaguars over the last four seasons, recording 61 tackles, one interception and two defended passes and taking the field for at least 57% of the club’s special teams snaps yearly.

Thomas was one of four members of Jacksonville’s 53-player roster who did not play against the Falcons in the preseason finale, along with starters, wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf), defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee) and linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (undisclosed).

In addition to Thomas’ injury, Jacksonville is currently without Andrew Wingard at safety as he enters the season on the injured reserve. Wingard, who continues to nurse a preseason knee injury, will be eligible for activation after Week 4.

Jaguars WR Christian Kirk returns to practice

After being held out as a precaution since joint practices with Tampa Bay, Jacksonville wide receiver Christian Kirk has returned to the practice field after nursing a mild calf injury.

Kirk was held out for the remaining practices against the Buccaneers and sat out of preparation ahead of the Jaguars’ final preseason win against Atlanta, after experiencing the injury on Aug. 13.

#Jaguars WR Christian Kirk is back at practice after being held out the last two weeks. pic.twitter.com/fQpvamUwG9

— Juston W. Lewis (@JustonLewis_) August 26, 2024

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson left a minor update on Kirk on Monday as he took the practice field.

“We can continue to get better,” Pederson said Monday. “We haven’t seen all the pieces… it’ll be good offensively to get Christian back and get him back into the offense.”

Kirk saw his 2023 campaign cut short due to a core muscle injury, yet accumulated 57 receptions for a team-leading 787 yards before getting hurt, adding three touchdowns in 13 games.

On July 29, Kirk spoke to media members about his health and how he feels going into his seventh season in the NFL.

“As long as my approach is consistent and it’s the same every day and I feel like I’m putting my best foot forward, then I have no problem if something happens while I’m out there because I know I did all I could do,” Kirk said.

“But I definitely want to stay healthy this year. I feel great, I feel strong, I feel fast. Not in pain anymore. I’m really just excited because my body hasn’t felt this good in a long time, so I’m just really looking forward to building throughout training camp.”

Nine Jaguars ruled out of preseason finale vs. Falcons

Nine Jaguars were ruled out of Jacksonville’s Friday preseason finale at Atlanta, just before kickoff.

Defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee), linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (undisclosed), cornerback Christian Braswell (undisclosed), safeties Andrew Wingard (knee), Daniel Thomas (foot) and Tashaun Gipson Sr. (undisclosed), and running back Keilan Robinson (toe) were deemed inactive on Friday.

Additionally, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson ruled out starting slot receiver Christian Kirk (calf) and reserve quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) earlier in the week, citing precaution in sidelining Kirk for a second consecutive preseason game.

“Christian will miss again. Still [his] calf,” Pederson said Monday. “Feeling good, but I’m just going to hold him out this week.”

Perhaps most notably, Armstead, the prize of Jacksonville’s offseason free agency class, will not make his long-awaited Jaguars debut despite practicing with the team for the first time this week.

Armstead signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the Jaguars in March following February surgery on a knee injury suffered with San Francisco last season. He opened Jacksonville’s training camp on the physically unable to perform list but was activated on Aug. 13.

Jaguars vs. Falcons: Preview, odds, where to watch, stream and more

Doug Pederson updates Jaguars QB C.J. Beathard’s injury status

Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard won’t play in the club’s 2024 preseason finale at Atlanta after suffering a groin injury during Jacksonville’s Saturday victory over Tampa Bay, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

Beathard exited the matchup after completing five-of-seven passes for 40 yards, all in the second half after Mac Jones started the game against the Buccaneers.

“Groin, [Beathard] re-injured that one,” Pederson said. “He’ll miss this week.”

Beathard had previously hurt his groin during Jacksonville’s 2022 training camp, which led him to be carted off the practice field.

Jones re-entered the game after going 11-of-18 passing for 144 yards and one touchdown in the first half, completing all five of his throws for 66 yards and another score. He finished the contest 16-of-23 for 210 yards and two touchdowns.

With one week left in the preseason and Jones and Beathard’s competition for the Jaguars’ backup quarterback role behind Trevor Lawrence, the former appears to be in the driver’s seat.

Jacksonville traded for Jones in March, securing New England’s 2021 first-round NFL draft pick in exchange for a sixth-round selection this year. Jones completed 66.1% of his passes for 8,918 yards with 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in three seasons with the Patriots.

Beathard has served as Lawrence’s backup since 2021, the latter’s rookie campaign. In 13 appearances including one start with Jacksonville, Beathard has gone 49-of-66 (74.2%) for 417 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Over seven pro seasons, beginning in San Francisco, Beathard has completed 58.6% of his throws for 3,469 yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Pederson: Savage to play in Jaguars vs. Falcons; Armstead to practice

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson offered promising injury updates on marquee Jaguars’ free agent additions, defensive lineman Arik Armstead and safety Darnell Savage Jr. Monday.

Armstead is set to practice with the Jaguars for the first time this week while Savage will make his playing debut when Jacksonville faces Atlanta for Week 3 of the preseason.

“We’re going to see how [Armstead] is in practice. I can’t speak on the game just yet but we’re going to work some individual stuff and progress slowly with him,” Pederson said.

“And then Savage, his red [non-contact] jersey came off so he’s officially cleared to go. So, he’ll play this week.”

Armstead, who signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Jacksonville after his release by San Francisco in March, has yet to participate in team activities in recovery from February surgery on a knee injury he suffered with the 49ers in 2023.

He missed the final five games of the regular season due to the injury but returned for the 49ers’ run to Super Bowl LVIII, where San Francisco lost to Kansas City. He recorded 11 tackles and a sack in three playoff appearances, increasing his postseason career totals to 38 tackles and eight sacks in 12 games.

Arik Armstead: Jaguars ‘have all the pieces’ to win a Super Bowl

In nine regular seasons with the 49ers, Armstead recorded 302 tackles with 43 for loss, 33.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and six defended passes.

Armstead began Jacksonville’s training camp on the team’s physically unable-to-perform list but was activated Tuesday. Upon clearance to play, he is expected to start at defensive tackle along the Jaguars’ defensive line.

Savage, meanwhile, is listed as Jacksonville’s starting free safety but has primarily practiced as a nickel cornerback in his first offseason with the Jaguars.

He has regularly participated in training camp and other activities, but without contact as he continues to nurse a rotator cuff injury suffered with Green Bay last year.

Savage produced 302 tackles with nine for loss, nine interceptions, 32 defended passes and two forced fumbles in five seasons with the Packers, adding 25 tackles with one for loss, one interception and two defended passes in seven playoff games.

Pederson: Jaguars WR Christian Kirk nursing mild calf injury

Jaguars starting wide receiver Christian Kirk is nursing a “mild” calf injury that sidelined him on the first day of Jacksonville’s joint practice with Tampa Bay on Wednesday, head coach Doug Pederson said Thursday.

Kirk won’t practice on Day 2 either, per Pederson, nor will he play against the Buccaneers on Saturday for the Jaguars’ second game of the 2024 preseason.

His status for Jacksonville’s third and final preseason matchup, at Atlanta next Friday, is to be determined.

“We’re just gonna [be] precautionary and just hold him out,” Pederson said.

“He’s kind of day-to-day. We’ll get through this game, get to next week. We break camp after this game and get into more of a normal, in-season type of schedule. So with more rest on it, we’ll see where he is for Atlanta.”

Kirk played through a groin injury that led to a season-ending core muscle injury against Cincinnati in Week 13 last year. He led Jacksonville’s pass-catchers in season-long receiving yardage with 737 when he went down against the Bengals.

After signing a four-year, $72 million free-agent contract with the Jaguars in 2022, Kirk has caught 141 passes for 1,895 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Jaguars activate DL Arik Armstead from PUP list

New Jacksonville defensive lineman Arik Armstead was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Tuesday, making him eligible to practice with the Jaguars for the first time.

Jacksonville placed Armstead on the PUP list July 20, days before its first training camp practice, as he continued to recover from a February knee surgery. He did not participate in offseason training activities or minicamps during the spring.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson suggested Monday that Armstead would likely not be cleared from the injury, which he suffered last season with the 49ers, until next week.

Armstead signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Jacksonville in March, following his release by San Francisco.

San Francisco made Armstead a first-round NFL draft pick in 2015, under former 49ers and current Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke.

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.

Pederson expressed a lack of concern about Armstead’s status ahead of training camp, noting his vast experience and the benefit of Armstead mentoring young Jaguars defensive linemen as they filled his anticipated practice reps.

“He’s played a ton of football — [he is a] veteran player. I don’t have a lot of concern with it. I want to make sure guys like that,” Pederson said July 24. “We brought them here to help us, but at the same time we’ve got make sure they’re healthy before we put them on the field.

“He knows what it takes. I’ve seen him during OTAs, I’ve seen him even while he was here during our little three days with the rookies and just how he’s kind of another coach right now on the field until he gets ready to go. That’s invaluable — that’s gold out there on the field.”

The Jaguars return to the Miller Practice Facility Wednesday, for their first of two joint practice sessions with the Buccaneers this week. Jacksonville will host Tampa Bay for its second preseason game Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Jaguars TE Patrick Murtagh carted off after training camp injury

Jaguars tight end Patrick Murtagh was carted off the practice field after appearing to suffer a significant right ankle injury during Day 8 of Jacksonville’s 2024 training camp, per Mark Long of the Associated Press.

Trainers put an air cast on Murtagh’s leg before removing him from the practice field at the Miller Electric Center.

Murtagh joined the Jaguars through the NFL’s International Pathway Program, which was introduced in 2017, in April.

“To be out here training with the best of the best, in the best facilities, it’s honestly so amazing,” Murtagh told Kailey Schuchts of News 4 Jax in June. “I’m making sure I can make the most of every day when I come in here and be a sponge and soak up as much as I can.”

From Queensland, Australia, Murtagh gained prominence as a decathlete in high school before pursuing a career in Australian rules football in 2019.

He played ruck and key forward for the Gold Coast Suns’ developmental team from 2020-22 but was delisted after three seasons the club.

Murtagh was awarded to Detroit through the IPP last offseason but did not stick with the Lions due to an undisclosed medical issue.

Doug Pederson: Jaguars DL Arik Armstead ‘getting close’ to activation

Doug Pederson: New Jaguars DL Arik Armstead ‘close’ to activation

New Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead is nearing activation from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson shared Friday.

Armstead has yet to practice with the Jaguars since signing a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the club in March, after undergoing meniscus surgery in February, treating an injury suffered in his final season with San Francisco.

He has been observed performing rehabilitative work and monitoring defensive line individual drills throughout Jacksonville’s offseason and preseason practices thus far.

“Because [Armstead is] on PUP right now, obviously he can’t get through any walkthroughs or nothing like that with the team. But he’s continuing to work and getting close,” Pederson said.

Armstead missed the final five games of the regular season due to the hurt but returned to action for the 49ers’ playoff run, through San Francisco’s loss to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVIII.

Armstead was sidelined during Jacksonville’s offseason team activities and minicamp amid his recovery from the operation. He was placed on the Jaguars’ PUP list July 20.

Pressed about a timeline for Armstead’s clearance, Pederson wouldn’t offer specifics but again suggested the veteran defensive lineman is “close” to practicing.

“No, not necessarily. He’s getting close. Could be any day, could be next week, could be three weeks from now, could be the end of camp,” said Pederson. “But no, he’s getting closer.”

A first-round pick by the 49ers in 2015, who were run then by current Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke, Armstead has compiled 302 tackles with 43 for loss, 33.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and six defended passes in his regular-season career.

Armstead has added 38 tackles with six for loss, eight sacks and one forced fumble in 12 playoff games.

Jaguars S Andrew Wingard ‘out a while’ after training camp injury

Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard is expected to miss “some significant time” during Jacksonville’s 2024 training camp as he nurses a knee injury suffered on Day 6 of practices, head coach Doug Pederson shared Friday.

“Dewey [Wingard] has the knee right now and he’s going to be out a while. Don’t know the timeframe yet but he’ll miss some significant time here in camp,” Pederson said, expressing uncertainty about the safety’s availability for Week 1 of the regular season in early September.

“We’re going to talk some more about that as a medical staff, you know, and find out and just see what his timeframe is,” said Pederson.

An undrafted prospect from Wyoming, Wingard joined the Jaguars following the 2019 NFL draft and has since spent five seasons with the team. He earned a three-year, $9.6 million contract extension from the club in March 2023.

In 78 appearances including 26 defensive starts with Jacksonville, Wingard has accumulated 250 tackles including eight for loss, two sacks, five interceptions, nine defended passes and three forced fumbles.

A core Jaguars special teamer, Wingard has been on the field for at least 64% of Jacksonville’s special teams snaps in all but one season with the team, 2021, when he made 15 starts defensively.

Wingard was an early standout in Jacksonville’s training camp. He intercepted three passes from Trevor Lawrence between Days 2-3, including two picks in team drills, which Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor described as “coaching opportunities” for the quarterback.

“I felt like one, [Lawrence] was probably late to a throw, left it inside, Dewey made a great play in the corner of the endzone,” Taylor described July 26.

“Another one was a naked [bootleg play-call], [Lawrence] thought there was going to be a pressure, he pulls up on a naked, which is not something we typically do. But he thought he saw something, he didn’t.”

Without Wingard available, Jacksonville’s safety room currently consists of six healthy contributors: Andre Cisco, Darnell Savage, Antonio Johnson, Daniel Thomas, Terrell Edmunds and Josh Proctor.

Jaguars 2024 positional outlook: Safety