The Jacksonville Jaguars have dealt with injuries at safety throughout the season but have still managed to get solid production out of the position. Just a few weeks ago, Andrew Wingard suffered a concussion that forced him to sit out a game. He's back in the fold and could give the Jags a tough decision.
During Wingard's absence, Antonio Johnson has played surprisingly well. With Eric Murray also in the mix, Jacksonville will need to decide who'll start in the upcoming weeks.
Antonio Johnson has stepped up for the Jaguars in light of injuries
Andrew Wingard entered concussion protocol in the win over the Tennessee Titans. He didn't play against the Indianapolis Colts but has been cleared ahead of Week 15.
Against the Colts, Antonio Johnson logged six tackles and posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 69.0. Although he gave up four completions, the former Texas A&M Aggie has mostly played well in 2025. The Las Vegas Raiders game is the exception, but he's registered two interceptions and routinely made plays when thrust into action.
Regarding Johnson's improvement after a rough 2024, defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile credits his attention to technique and position versatility.
"I thought Antonio did a great job. He has done a great job, I should say," Campanile told the media when asked about shuffling pieces in the secondary in Week 14 (8:08 mark). "And he's a guy that's really got a lot of position flex, because he's out there sometimes playing safety, playing nickel, playing dime, and playing linebacker-type roles too."
Campanile continued, "So he's a bright guy, because that's a lot of techniques that we ask him to play. It really is, when you go through it, and he's a guy that's up in here in the office all the time trying to do extra."
Aside from Wingard, Eric Murray also missed four weeks with a neck injury. He returned from Injured Reserve in Week 14 and got his starting job back. Before the regular season, 2025 third-round pick Caleb Ransaw sustained a leg injury that ended his rookie campaign before it started.
Will the Jaguars roll with Antonio Johnson or Andrew Wingard?
Since the Jaguars signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Andrew Wingard has worked his way up the depth chart and became a full-time starter in 2021. He eventually lost his job but reclaimed it once again this season. That said, No. 42 has probably reached his ceiling. Couple that with the fact that he's slated to become a free agent, and Jacksonville may keep Antonio Johnson in the starting lineup to see what he can do.
Then again, the coaching staff is high on Wingard, so nobody would bat an eye if he started next to Eric Murray against the NY Jets. In fact, the coaching staff could give him and Johnson ample playing time the remainder of the season. After all, the latter has done enough to earn a featured role on defense.
Ultimately, the Jaguars should feel good about their depth at safety, but it will most definitely be interesting to see how they handle their safety room in the upcoming weeks.