After the quarterback’s most impressive stretch of play in his short career on Saturday night, Gus Bradley wasted no time in his press conference Monday naming Blaine Gabbert the starter for the regular season.
Gus Bradley says Blaine Gabbert will start against KC on opening day. #jaguars
— J.P. Shadrick (@jpshadrick) August 19, 2013
Gabbert went 13/16 for 165 yards and a touchdown against the Jets before leaving with a thumb injury in the second quarter. The thumb injury is going to keep Gabbert out the rest of the preseason, but that wasn’t enough to deter Bradley from making the decision before the third preseason game.
Gabbert out rest of preseason, should be back Week 1.
— Hays Carlyon (@HaysCarlyon) August 19, 2013
"He grew mentally, he grew with his leadership." -- Gus on Gabbert. #Jaguars
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) August 19, 2013
Bradley cites his athleticism. Wants to do more movement before passes, move the pocket.
— Hays Carlyon (@HaysCarlyon) August 19, 2013
With Gabbert out and Chad Henne starting the next two preseason games, we’ll be seeing a lot more of Matt Scott and Mike Kafka. Somewhat jokingly, Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union thinks Matt Scott will eventually be freed in Gabbert’s absence.
I've got one to say -- Gabbert being out, keeping Henne upright = #MattScottTime
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) August 19, 2013
Bradley also provided some updates on key players dealing with some injuries. Cecil Shorts and Russell Allen are expected to be back this week while caution is being practiced with rookie Luke Joeckel.
Gus on injured players; Shorts, Deaderick and Allen should be back this week. Continue to eval: Todman (hammy), Rutland (quad), Lewis (calf)
— Cole Pepper (@ColePepper) August 19, 2013
Being cautious with Joeckel. Gus said he "still feels" hip "a little bit." #Jaguars
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) August 19, 2013
– Daniel Lago
Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89