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Jaguars HC Marrone confident in Wilson if Gipson is hindered by foot injury

Jarrod Wilson replaced starting free safety Tashaun Gipson during the third quarter of the Jaguars' 45-42 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday.
Jan 14, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) attempts to throw the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Jarrod Wilson (26) and Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) defend during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars second-year safety Jarrod Wilson may be asked to step up during one of the franchise's biggest games ever.

Wilson replaced starting free safety Tashaun Gipson during the third quarter of the Jaguars' 45-42 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday. Gipson suffered a foot injury and did not return to the contest.

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On Monday, Gipson was seen in the locker room wearing a walking boot on his injured right foot.

Despite the boot, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone chose not to speculate on Gipson's status for the team's AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots.

“I think there’s always a concern for any of the athletes," Marrone said regarding Gipson's injury.

"I think within the next 48 hours, seeing how things turn out, we’ll see how it goes. You get guys who play big physical guys like that and you’ve got some guys that are banged up. You are playing in the [AFC] Championship. My experience has been pretty much everybody is fighting to get back. We’ll see how that week goes with him.”

Wilson played throughout the second half against Pittsburgh. He produced two notable pass breakups in the fourth quarter.

While he only played 52 snaps on defense during the regular season, Wilson showed he could handle a role in relief of Gipson against the Steelers.

The former undrafted free agent out of Michigan has earned Marrone's respect throughout the season.

"He’s gone the same way as a lot of players on the team where they’re asked to fill in a role and it’s going to be one of those, whether it’s during the week or whether it’s [getting] in there," Marrone said.

"He’s done that a couple of times this year. No one has really noticed it. We feel very comfortable with him being out there."

If Gipson is hindered by the foot injury or he is unable to play against the Patriots, Wilson could see a healthy workload increase. Marrone made it sound like the Jaguars' coaching staff would be comfortable with that potential scenario.

"He’s done a nice job, done well on [special teams] for us and has done a nice job of going in there," Marrone said.

"I give him a lot of credit. He’s one of those guys that flies under the radar from a perception outside the building, but really does a nice job of working during the week and preparing himself.”

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.

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