Jaguars’ Wingard returns home
Andrew Wingard is preparing for the emotions he’s sure to feel Sunday.
The rookie Jaguars safety began his football journey at Ralston Valley High School, and on Sunday he will run out from the visitors’ tunnel onto Empower Field at Mile High to face the Broncos. Wingard, an Arvada native who starred collegiately at Wyoming, has filled 22 ticket requests for friends and family with a “whole bunch” of others buying their own seats.
“To come back and play at Mile High with my family and friends there, it’s going to be super cool,” Wingard said. “I remember being a kid playing 20 minutes from that stadium and just chasing my dreams.”
Wingard went undrafted and Jacksonville signed him as a free agent though he did not speak with the Jaguars’ coaching staff throughout the pre-draft process.
Former Wyoming defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton previously worked on the defensive staff in Jacksonville and Wingard said familiarity between systems allowed him to play “faster” in training camp which helped him earn a spot.
“When people watched my film at Wyoming, they assumed I was just a pure box safety, play the run and can’t play man coverage, which was really far from the truth,” Wingard said. “I got here to Jacksonville and I showed off my versatility really well. I was fitting in the box. I was covering tight ends and slot receivers and playing high free safety.”
Wingard has appeared mostly on special teams through Jacksonville’s 1-2 start with 68of-74 snaps played coming on coverage units.
His most impressive moment was forcing a muffed punt last week when he tackled the Titans’ Adoree’ Jackson. The Jaguars recovered the football and scored a touchdown on the next play in a 20-7 victory.
Wingard has also left a strong impression with his signature look: A flowing mane of blond hair falling behind his helmet.
“He’s a guy that just looking at him, you’re not going to be impressed; you probably expect him to be at a Kid Rock show more than on a football field,” said Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville’s starting quarterback. “But he’s a ballplayer. He works hard and you can always count on him to be in the right spot.”
Wingard entered the NFL on a mission to erase misconceptions about his potential. But ask friends and family in the Mile High crowd on Sunday, and they’ll likely tell you not a whole lot has changed regarding his approach to football.
“Being able to come downhill … and playing with my hair on fire,” Wingard said. “That’s what I’m still doing to this day.”
Miller keeps it brief.
Thursday is outside linebacker Von Miller’s time to appear at the podium to discuss the upcoming game.
The usually affable Miller, though, was in front of the microphone for less than 15 seconds Thursday and took no questions.
His in-full statement: “I feel good. I’ve got a great week of preparation. I’ve got great teammates, great coaches. I’m excited about the opportunity this week vs. the Jaguars. We’ve got a great game plan in. I’m excited to play.”
Jackson “truly questionable.”
Broncos coach Vic Fangio said safety/nickel back Kareem Jackson, out of practice Wednesday and Thursday, “is truly questionable” to face the Jaguars because of a hamstring injury.
“I’ll just have to see,” Jackson said. “I’m pretty much (doing) whatever the trainers have me doing. We’ve got some time (until Sunday). It should be fine.”
Jackson said he was injured on Green Bay’s opening-drive 40-yard touchdown pass and “I just played through it.”
If Jackson can’t play, Duke Dawson is next up to cover the slot receiver in the Broncos’ sub-package defense. Defensive end Derek Wolfe (ankle) was upgraded to limited practice participant, but inside linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring) remained sidelined.