The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing to face the Tennessee Titans this afternoon, but they may be missing a crucial player when the game kicks off. On Saturday evening, the team announced that veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead has been listed as questionable due to a hand injury.
Armstead”s injury affected his participation in Thursday”s practice, although he returned to full participation on Friday. Should the Jaguars be without Armstead for their matchup against the Titans, it would significantly impact their depth at defensive tackle. Currently, Armstead leads the team with 5.5 sacks and ranks as the second-best pass rusher this season, only behind veteran defensive end Josh Hines-Allen.
This season, Armstead transitioned back to defensive tackle after spending much of the previous season at defensive end. This return to his original position has led to a noticeable increase in his production, bringing him close to Pro Bowl-caliber performance. Head coach Liam Coen praised Armstead”s recent work ethic, stating, “Armstead the last, I would say really going back since the Bye, has practiced on obviously the Thursdays when we go padded specifically, out of his mind. Out of his mind. Every single rep he”s in the backfield in practice every single time.”
Coen elaborated on his growing relationship with Armstead, discussing their shared experiences with different coaching staffs in the past. “And to see him disrupting as much as he has, it”s showing up in practice though. That”s where he”s doing it every single day. It”s not like he”s a 13-year vet that”s just kind of hanging out on the sidelines during practice and then going out in the games and doing it. He”s doing it every single day in practice,” Coen noted. “He”s trying to set an example as to what we”re looking for from that penetration and getting vertical, and I”ve been really pleased with Arik and the kind of guy that he”s been. He”s been so consistent, and I”ve appreciated that from him as well.”
The Jaguars are set to kick off against the Titans this afternoon. By the time the inactives are announced, fans will know whether Armstead will be available for this important AFC South clash.
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