![Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Dennis Gardeck (57) warms up during an NFL scrimmage event at EverBank Stadium, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_6000,h_3375/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01k2d78j632vsxg73866.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Dennis Gardeck (57) warms up during an NFL scrimmage event at EverBank Stadium, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
Linebacker wasn't a weakness for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason, but that didn't stop them from locking up Dennis Gardeck after the NFL Draft. While an ACL injury kept the eight-year veteran out for the early portion of training camp, he's back in the fold and will have a chance to boost his stock in the second preseason game.
Gardeck was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open training camp. The Jags activated him on July 31st, and he's made his debut in practice.
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reports that Gardeck is participating in team drills for the first time since he sustained an ACL injury, adding that he lined up at strong linebacker on Day 13 of training camp. Based on his comments, special teams coordinator Heath Farwell is hyped up about his return.
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Heath Farwell met with reporters and heaped praise on Gardeck, pointing out that the way he prepares has allowed him to succeed in the NFL for so long.
"I've been watching Dennis for a ton of years. He shows up every time you turn his tape on. He can take over games. I don't know if I had more special teams coaches text me after we signed him than any other time," Farwell said when asked what he's seen in Gardeck (17:50 mark). "He's a guy that's been a marquee player, and I see why he's so good, the way he prepares, just communicating with him. He's very smart and detailed.
Farwell continued, "We're bringing him in slowly, but he's in the meeting rooms. He does everything you ask, comes for extra meetings, and all that stuff. So you see why he's been a talented player, a force in all phases."
All things considered, Farwell's praise of Dennis Gardeck is warranted. After going undrafted in 2018, the Sioux Falls product signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent the last eight seasons. He mostly logged snaps on special teams in his first two years in the desert. However, he was pressed into action in 2020 and ended up with seven sacks.
Gardick's breakout performance in 2020 saw him get more playing time the next three seasons. Unfortunately, an ACL ended his 2024 campaign prematurely.
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What kind of impact Dennis Gardeck can have for the Jaguars?
As Hearth Farwell noted, Dennis Gardeck is a highly respected special teams player across the league. He can help the Jaguars in that area, but also play defense and blitz from the linebacker positions. That said, two things need to happen.
First, Gardeck must take advantage of the playing time he'll get in the next two preseason games and show that his recent injury won't hold him back. Next, he must stay healthy after missing 10 games last year and the early portion of training camp.
The good news is that 2024 marked the first time Gardeck missed extended time with injuries and has otherwise stayed healthy throughout his career. If everything goes according to plan, he should have no trouble making the team.
And while it's too early to tell what kind of impact Dennis Gardeck will have if he sticks around with the Jaguars in 2025, he could turn out to be an underrated, if not great, free-agency pickup.