New Jaguars safety Darnell Savage signed with Jacksonville as a free agent in March but is currently limited in the team’s organized team activities. He is still recovering from an injury sustained in his final season with the Green Bay Packers, as reported by Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union. Savage missed a total of seven games during the 2023 season due to injuries.
He first landed on injured reserve in Week 7 with a calf injury and remained out through Week 11. Then, after returning for two games, he suffered a torn rotator cuff in one of his shoulders, causing him to miss two more games. Despite his injuries, Savage played through the pain in the playoffs until the NFC Divisional Round.
Savage’s determination not to let his teammates down led him to keep playing while injured. In his 12 appearances during the regular season and postseason, he recorded 59 tackles, one interception (returned for a touchdown), and three defended passes with the Packers in 2023.
The defensive player had spent five seasons with Green Bay before signing a three-year deal worth $21.8 million with Jacksonville earlier this year. During his time with the Packers, he accumulated 302 tackles, nine for loss, nine interceptions, 32 defended passes, and two forced fumbles. Savage has been participating in the Jaguars’ voluntary offseason workouts to be available for his new team.
In Jacksonville, Savage is expected to fill a versatile role in the secondary. Although he has primarily played safety, the team plans to utilize him at nickel cornerback as well as other positions in the future. Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen expressed his satisfaction with Savage’s abilities and versatility, highlighting his value to the team.