Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher Josh Allen has been the team’s most notable absence during organized team activities (OTAs), but head coach Doug Pederson anticipates that to change soon.
“[Outside linebackers coach] Bill Shuey, his position coach, has probably talked to him the most and keeps me updated on where he’s at and what he’s doing,” Pederson said of Allen during a press conference Monday. “He’s working. He’s not taking his time off, he’s working and preparing himself, and we should see him here next week.”
The Jaguars have four more OTA sessions this week and will wrap up their offseason program next week with a three-day minicamp from June 12 to June 14. While the OTAs are voluntary, the minicamp is a mandatory event and players who miss it can be fined by the Jaguars.
Allen’s leave from the Jaguars so far this offseason has been unexplained, but it could be an attempt by the pass rusher to voice his desire for a new contract with his rookie deal set to expire after the 2023 season. Last week, Allen broke his silence with a cryptic tweet after mounting criticisms of his decision not to join the team in practices.
I’m guided by a stronger power and that power is guiding me down a path not all may see right now. #GodBless
— 41 (@JoshAllen41_) June 2, 2023
In four seasons with the Jaguars, Allen has 27.5 career sacks. While his best numbers came during his rookie year, the 25-year-old pass rusher has led the team in sacks in each of the last two seasons.
