Initial Jaguars injury report for Week 8 offers a massive Andrew Wingard update

The Jacksonville Jaguars are 2-5 and looking to turn things around after a rough start to 2024. One thing they've got going in their favor is that they're getting healthy at the right time. While the Jags had several players listed on their initial injury report for Week 8, they should be thrilled about the return of two key contributors.

Jacksonville posted its first injury report ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Seeing safety Andrew Wingfield and linebacker Foyesade Oluokun pop up, albeit in a limited capacity, is a pleasant surprise.

Wingard suffered a knee injury in training camp and Oluokun was dealing with plantar fasciitis. Both landed on the Injured Reserve, but the team activated their 21-day window to return after the Week 7 win over the New England Patriots.

Mark Long of the Associated Press reports that Wingard got a "little golf clap" from teammates when he walked onto the practice field for the first time in nearly three months. He goes on to say that the veteran safety told the team that they're "gonna freaking ball when I'm back out there."

Wingard, an undrafted free agent in 2019, has established himself as a locker room leader and a key cog on special teams. He was a full-time starter in 2021, but he's better suited for a backup role. Oluokun, on the other hand, has been a mainstay of the Jags' defense since he signed with them in 2022. Having both core contributors back in the fold could help the team turn things around.

Apart from Wingard and Oluokun, the Jaguars listed other players on the Injured Report: Defensive end Arik Armstead (shoulder), wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee), tight end Evan Engram (hamstring), running back Travis Etienne (hamstring), defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (calf), and left tackle Cam Robinson (concussion).

Robinson was the only Jaguar who didn't participate in practice Wednesday. All the other players who landed on the injury report were limited.

The Jaguars are in good shape ahead of the Week 8 game against the Patriots

Even if Andrew Wingard, Foyesade Olukoun, Cam Robinson, and Evan Engram don't suit up against the Green Bay Packers, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in good shape ahead of Week 8.

Sophomore linebacker Ventrell Miller has stepped up in relief of Oluokun. The offensive line didn't miss a beat when Robinson left in Week 7, and Brenton Strange filled in for Engram when he sat out four games earlier this season.

Of course, the Jags would love all of them to have back against Green Bay but they have the players in place to overcome their potential absence. Then again, beating the Packers won't be a walk in the park.

The Jags are currently a 4.5-point underdog for Week 8 even though it will be at EverBank Stadium. The Packers are 5-2 and rank seventh in the league in points scored. Similarly, their defense is in the top 10.

Coming off their second win of the season, the Jaguars will need to beat the Packers to keep their season alive. It won't be easy but having Andrew Wingard and a handful of key contributors back could increase their odds of coming out on top in Week 8.

More Jaguars analysis here: