JACKSONVILLE – He is ready to play, whatever the position.
Arik Armstead is listed at defensive tackle with the Jaguars. And at defensive end. He is often discussed as a defensive end. And as a defensive tackle. Entering Sunday's 2024 regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins, Armstead said he cares little about either tag.
"I am what I've been my entire career, a defensive lineman," he said.
Armstead, who signed with the Jaguars as a free agent this past offseason, spoke to senior writer John Oehser for this week's 2024 Week 1 O-Zone Podcast. Among the topics: His position along the Jaguars' defensive front.
"I've been versatile my entire career," Armstead said. "I've played in dang near every scheme you could think of: three-four [defense], four-three. I've played nose guard before. I played Wide Nine. I feel I can it play all at a high level. With versatility, that allows flexibility for the coach to be able to move you around and put you in a position to be successful.
"That's what I'm going to be doing here. You'll just probably see me a little bit everywhere."
Armstead, who spent his first nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, played collegiately at the University of Oregon and was born in Sacramento, Cal. That makes his move to Jacksonville this offseason his first significant time away from the West Coast.
"It's been a lot of transition, a lot of new newness, things having to learn," he said. "You meet new people, new teammates and coaches, and move across the country. Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and it's been it's been great getting to know everybody and moving my family here to Jacksonville.
"I was at one place for an extremely long time. That was a huge blessing, being from Northern California. But also at the same time, I like to be on the move. I love being in new places. This is a great experience for me, getting me out of my comfort zone, getting me around other people, having to learn new things and be open minded.
"From a football perspective, that's going to come as we get going in the season and I get more practice and games under my belt."
Armstead, who spent much of 2024 Training Camp and preseason on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a knee issue, has practiced full this week. Head Coach Doug Pederson on Monday said he expects Armstead to play Sunday.
"I feel good," he said. "I'm feeling better and better each day. The more and more I get into games, the more and more I get into practice, I'm going to get better and better and knock the rust off a little bit. But I'm definitely feeling great and excited to get out there.
"I was here during OTAs (offseason organized team activities), so I feel comfort really comfortable. It was good to pick up on the terminology and all that. Now, getting back out on the field and being able to play it, hear the calls, and play alongside my teammates. We're just going to all keep building and start this journey together. "
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Armstead, please click HERE.
