Jaguars running back Ryquell Armstead never returned to the field last year after he experienced respiratory issues last summer after testing positive for the COVID-19.
On Monday, the Jaguars announced they waived Armstead, who didn't play a game last season after he was hospitalized twice.
A fifth-round pick out of Temple, Armstead was expected to have a key role in the offense this season, especially after the release of former Jaguars running backLeonard Fournette.
Instead, undrafted rookie James Robinson showed enough promise for the Jaguars under then-head coach Doug Marrone to waive Fournette.
Armstead ended up on the COVID-19 list on Aug. 21, and at the time, Marrone said he would be out a while. He was placed on the COVID-19 list again on Sept. 4 after respiratory issues occurred.
Armstead was not the only member of the Jaguars backfield to contract the virus last season. Third-down back Chris Thompson, who was not re-signed, was placed on the COVID-19 list before the team's Oct. 29 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was activated off the list a week later.
In his only season with the Jaguars in 2019, Armstead rushed for 108 yards on 35 carries and made 14 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
Armstead didn't appear to be in the plans for Jaguars coach Urban Meyer with James Robinson returning and signing running back Carlos Hyde in free agency. The Jaguars also drafted former Clemson running back Travis Etienne with the 25th overall pick. Meyer plans to utilize Etienne as a dual-threat as both a runner and receiving threat.
Also on the roster are running backs Dare Ogunbowale and Devine Ozigbo.
Jaguars sign Camp
Wide receiver Jalen Camp became the first player of the 2021 Jaguars' draft class to sign his contract. Camp was selected in the sixth round (No. 209) out of Georgia Tech. He is coming off a strong performance during this past weekend's rookie minicamp. According to OverTheCap.com, Camp's four-year contract is valued at $3.6 million and he is set to earn $660,000 this upcoming season if he makes the 53-man roster.
