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Michael DiRocco
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars defensive deal with Arik Armstead is coping with a again damage that places his availability for the workforce’s regular-season opener doubtful.
Armstead has missed the previous three practices with what coach Liam Coen referred to as a sore again. Nevertheless, he had participated solely in particular person drills within the Jaguars’ first eight practices as a result of Coen mentioned the workforce was permitting the 31-year-old to have a “veteran begin.”
But it surely appears like there is not any concrete timetable for when the Jaguars may get Armstead again on the sphere.
“He is a veteran who, finally, he’ll in all probability know tips on how to get himself able to go, I’d hope,” Coen mentioned after Tuesday’s follow. “The hot button is simply ensuring that he is wholesome and able to go for the primary recreation. It is a lengthy season as we all know. Now to not say that early [games] aren’t clearly as necessary as late ones, however it’s a lengthy season, and we’re actually simply attempting to get him to be as wholesome as potential.”
When requested if Armstead can be accessible for the Jaguars’ Sept. 7 opener in opposition to the Carolina Panthers, Coen responded: “I’d suppose so. It is onerous for me to say proper now, although.”
The Jaguars signed Armstead to a three-year, $43.5 million contract, with $28 million assured, in March 2024. Although Armstead had thrived inside as a defensive deal with with the San Francisco 49ers, the Jaguars moved him exterior to defensive finish as a backup to Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, and Armstead completed with two sacks final season.
Armstead mentioned the day after the season ended that he would transfer again inside in 2025. That is the place he labored within the spring, and the Jaguars deliberate to start out him alongside nostril deal with DaVon Hamilton.
Armstead’s $2 million wage and $12 million choice bonus in 2025 are totally assured. He has no assured cash in 2026.
