The Jaguars secured a victory in their second London game, and they might have two defensive reinforcements ready for their next matchup.
The team announced on Tuesday that linebacker Foye Oluokun and safety Andrew Wingard have both had their 21-day practice windows opened.
Oluokun has been dealing with plantar fasciitis, an injury he suffered in September, which led to his placement on injured reserve.
This move guaranteed he would miss at least four games, making Week 8 the earliest he could return. Today’s update is a positive sign regarding his recovery progress.
Since joining Jacksonville in 2022, the 28-year-old Oluokun has been a consistent producer in terms of tackles.
He led the league with 184 total stops during his debut season with the Jaguars, and his 111 solo tackles last year were also a league-high.
Oluokun recorded 22 tackles through the first three games this season while remaining a full-time starter.
He logged over 1,100 snaps each year from 2021 to 2023, and his durability helped him earn a three-year, $30 million extension this offseason. His return will be a boost for the team’s linebacker corps.
In August, like many teams, the Jaguars utilized the NFL’s new roster-building rules. Wingard, along with running back Keilan Robinson, was placed on IR but designated for return.
This kept him eligible to play in 2024, using one of Jacksonville’s eight in-season activations. Once he’s back on the roster, Wingard is expected to continue his role as a key contributor on special teams.
While he was a defensive starter in 2021, he has mainly been a presence on special teams since then.
Since Oluokun’s placement on IR occurred after the season began, his return will count toward the team’s remaining activations.
Jacksonville will have four left once he is moved back to the active roster.
The team hopes his return can help improve their defensive performance, which has struggled in several areas this season, though they have been strong against the run.
The 2-5 Jaguars also announced the release of Tre Flowers on Tuesday. The veteran cornerback made four appearances this season, his first with Jacksonville, and played sparingly on both defense and special teams, recording three tackles.
As a veteran released before the trade deadline, Flowers will not be subject to waivers and is free to sign with a new team immediately.
