Tag: Andrew Wingard

QB Gardner Minshew, safety Andrew Wingard coming off Jags’ Reserve/COVID-19 list

Quarterback Gardner Minshew is officially back on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ main roster. On Tuesday morning, the team announced that both he and safety Andrew Wingard were removed from their Reserve/COVID-19 list. We have activated QB Gardner …

Quarterback Gardner Minshew is officially back on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ main roster. On Tuesday morning, the team announced that both he and safety Andrew Wingard were removed from their Reserve/COVID-19 list.

This news comes after Minshew and Wingard were amongst a group of five placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday. Running back Ryquell Armstead, receiver Michael Walker, and tight end Charles Jones were also placed on the list on the same day and will remain there for the moment.

As previously mentioned last week, the Reserve/COVID-19 list isn’t just solely for players who tested positive for the coronavirus. It can also be used to hold players who were around a person or people with it. Of course, either of the aforementioned scenarios would require a player to quarantine and be monitored before re-entering the Jags facility.

Minshew, who will be entering his second season, will be the most discussed player during training camp. He’ll be coming off a rookie year where he had to unexpectedly start in 12 games with Nick Foles injuring his collarbone and struggling afterward. Minshew was able to aid the Jags to all six of their wins and finished the season 285-of-470 (60.6%) for 3,271 yards, and 21 touchdowns. That was impressive enough for the team to give him a shot to start again in 2020 and prove himself to be a franchise signal-caller.

Wingard, on the other hand, was one of two undrafted rookies to make the initial 53-man roster alongside linebacker Joe Giles-Harris last season. He ended up starting in two games (participated in all 16) in addition to contributing on special teams. Wingard will enter the 2020 season with 30 tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack to his name.

Jags place 5 on Reserve/COVID-19 list, including Gardner Minshew

The Jags will be placing their second big name on their Reserve/COVID-19 list in quarterback Gardner Minshew II.

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that five players would be added to their Reserve/COVID-19 list, including starting quarterback Gardner Minshew II. The other four players were running back Ryquell Armstead, tight end Charles Jones, receiver Michael Walker, and safety Andrew Wingard.

As mentioned last week, being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list could mean a player contracted COVID-19 or was simply in contact with a person or people who had the coronavirus. Of course, either scenario requires quarantining and the clearance of doctors, which is exactly why the list was made.

Minshew, who will be the most talked about player of the offseason, is entering his second year. He took the nation and Jacksonville by storm after replacing Nick Foles Week 1 of the regular season and also ended the season as the starter. He finished his rookie season 285-of-470 (60.6%) for 3,271 passing yards, 21 touchdown passes and a quarterback rating of 91.2.

Armstead, Wingard, Walker, and Jones were also apart of the Jags’ 2019 rookie class and made contributions.

Armstead had 35 carries for 108 yards and a receiving touchdown, which helped to propel the Jags to a victory over the Denver Broncos.

Wingard was one of two undrafted rookies to make the team alongside linebacker Joe Giles-Harris. He registered two starts, 30 tackles, and a sack. He also saw a lot of time on special teams.

Walker was predominately used as a special teams returner. He had three punt returns for 13 yards and 18 kickoff returns for 411 yards.

Lastly, Jones only registered a catch for five yards after initially being placed on the practice squad after the formation of the final 53-man roster. He was activated to the main roster in November and remained there until the end of the season. His placement on the Reserve/COVID-19 list will mark his second time on it as he was also placed on it last week.

The five aforementioned players will join tackle Ryan Pope, guard Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms, and cornerback Parry Nickerson on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, putting them at a total of eight players.

Winners and Losers from Bucs vs. Jaguars

There weren’t many positives to take from the Jags’ loss to the Bucs, but they did have some reserves step up in a big way Sunday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars once again came away from game day with another one in the losers column after falling to the Tampa Bay Bucs in Week 13. The Bucs got off to a fast start and the Jaguars never seemed to get going. The Jags were shut out in the first half and it prompted Doug Marrone to make the switch from Nick Foles to Gardner Minshew II.

In another losing effort that ended with a final score of 28-11 here are the winners and losers from Jacksonville’s Week 13 game against their in-state rivals.

Winners

In a game like this, it is hard to identify many “winners,” but a few players stuck out to me.

Pass rusher Josh Allen

Josh Allen continued his sensational rookie campaign against the Bucs. The Kentucky alum registered two quarterback hits, and a sack in yet another solid performance. While he had a great day no doubt, Allen is a winner today for breaking the Jaguars’ rookie sack record with his ninth sack on the season.

Allen was recently second in Pro Bowl voting for AFC defensive ends and his production has been a big reason as to why. With four games still left to be played, Allen will only continue to bolster his lead on the Jaguars record and may even near Javon Kearse’s NFL rookie record of 14.5. He has been one of the Jags’ best and most consistent players, which is a truly remarkable and exciting feat for the young Jaguar.

The Jaguars’ reserve defenders stepped up

Continuing on the defense, both linebacker Donald Payne and safety Andrew Wingard had to be called on to start for Myles Jack and Ronnie Harrison, and neither disappointed. Payne and Wingard were first and second, respectively, as far as tackles go with 13 and seven tackles on the day. Payne also nearly had a pick while Wingard caused a fumble on Jameis Winston which was recovered by the Jags.

If anything, the Jags left the game confident in the two reserves if they have to be called upon again and should look to continue playing both players with the postseason out of reach. Fans should also be mindful of both players in the future because the Jags could be rebuilding, and often times depth is an issue for a team that has reset. If Wingard and Payne continue to make progress, however, the Jags’ depth might be better than expected in the future.

Losers

QB Nick Foles

Nick Foles didn’t have a good day against the Bucs — and he has yet to have one at all since returning. In fact, it’s looking like the Jags may be losing money after signing Foles to an $88 million contract in March.

Sunday, Foles arguably had his worst day aside from his Chiefs debut. Foles couldn’t seem to get anything going and was the reason for three first half turnovers and no points being put on the board. As a result, Marrone decided the offense needed a ‘spark’ and made the change at quarterback.

Minshew instantly gave the offense new life, accumulating their only touchdown drive of the game. Going forward, it seems he’ll be the guy the team might roll with. That would certainly mark a bad season for the former Super Bowl MVP.

The Run Game

Early in the year, Leonard Fournette was on a tear, leading the AFC in rushing yards at the mid-season mark. However, the team has moved away from their strong run game as of late in favor of a more pass-heavy attack. Fournette has become a reliable receiver, but the run game has suffered dearly.

With the return of Minshew under center, the team may return to a more run-based offense, but ultimately, time will tell. Hopefully, the offensive line can open up some more holes for Fournette as the young tailback ran for just 38 yards on 14 carries Week 13. If they can, the Jags would make things much more interesting heading into the last stretch.