JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead is currently sidelined with a back injury, putting his participation in the team’s regular season opener in doubt.
Armstead has missed the last three practices due to pain, according to Head Coach Liam Coen. Although he was limited to individual drills during the first eight sessions, this approach was intended to help the 31-year-old veteran ease into the season.
There is no confirmed timeline for Armstead’s return to full team activities or game-day action at this point.
Coen stressed after Tuesday’s practice that Armstead, being an experienced player, likely knows how to prepare himself optimally. “The important thing is ensuring he is healthy and ready for the season opener. This is a long season, so we are focused on preserving his health,” Coen said.
In response to whether Armstead would be available for the September 7 season opener against the Carolina Panthers, Coen’s answer was noncommittal.
The Jaguars secured Armstead in March 2024 with a three-year, $43.5 million deal that included $28 million guaranteed. Armstead excelled as a defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers but is currently seen as a backup behind Josh Allen and Travon Walker, who led the team in sacks last season.
Armstead had committed to a return to the interior defensive line for 2025 and has been working in the spring on that role. The plan was to start him alongside nose tackle Davon Hamilton.
Armstead’s $2 million salary and $12 million option bonus for 2025 are fully guaranteed, though no guarantees exist for 2026.
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Fan Take: Armstead’s health is critical for Jaguars’ defensive depth, and his potential absence in the opener raises questions about the team’s pass rush capabilities early in the season. For NFL fans, monitoring the recovery of key veterans like Armstead offers a glimpse into how teams balance experience with injury management in the long grind of the NFL season.
