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.
