New Jacksonville defensive lineman Arik Armstead was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Tuesday, making him eligible to practice with the Jaguars for the first time.
Jacksonville placed Armstead on the PUP list July 20, days before its first training camp practice, as he continued to recover from a February knee surgery. He did not participate in offseason training activities or minicamps during the spring.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson suggested Monday that Armstead would likely not be cleared from the injury, which he suffered last season with the 49ers, until next week.
Armstead signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Jacksonville in March, following his release by San Francisco.
San Francisco made Armstead a first-round NFL draft pick in 2015, under former 49ers and current Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke.
In nine seasons with the 49ers, Armstead recorded 302 tackles with 43 for loss, 33.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and six defended passes. He added 38 tackles with six for loss, eight sacks and one forced fumble in 12 playoff games.
Pederson expressed a lack of concern about Armstead’s status ahead of training camp, noting his vast experience and the benefit of Armstead mentoring young Jaguars defensive linemen as they filled his anticipated practice reps.
“He’s played a ton of football — [he is a] veteran player. I don’t have a lot of concern with it. I want to make sure guys like that,” Pederson said July 24. “We brought them here to help us, but at the same time we’ve got make sure they’re healthy before we put them on the field.
“He knows what it takes. I’ve seen him during OTAs, I’ve seen him even while he was here during our little three days with the rookies and just how he’s kind of another coach right now on the field until he gets ready to go. That’s invaluable — that’s gold out there on the field.”
The Jaguars return to the Miller Practice Facility Wednesday, for their first of two joint practice sessions with the Buccaneers this week. Jacksonville will host Tampa Bay for its second preseason game Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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