Jaguars HC Doug Pederson discusses decision to bring Jake Luton back

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced they’ve re-signed quarterback Jake Luton after releasing him a few days ago. Head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media before Tuesday’s practice and explained the decision to bring Luton back.

Pederson said that backup C.J. Beathard wasn’t “necessarily 100 percent coming off his injury from the spring” and believes that adding Luton to the quarterback room will give him time to get healthier. Pederson added that Luton could benefit from playing against the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale.

"It’s a great opportunity for Jake to get some more time and to be seen, some valuable reps. So hopefully, he can take advantage of that."

The Jaguars head coach told the media that Beathard won’t suit up against the Falcons and he will probably rule out Trevor Lawrence soon, so Luton and undrafted rookie E.J. Perry might get all the reps in the preseason finale.

A sixth-round pick by the Jaguars in 2020, Luton started three games in his rookie campaign but hasn’t played in a regular-season game in the past two years. He was waived last offseason and spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks before returning to Jacksonville earlier this year. In two preseason games this year, the former Oregon State Beaver completed 22 of 38 passes for 186 yards with one interception.

Bringing Jake Luton makes sense for the Jaguars

It’s hard to envision Luton making the 53-man roster but the Jaguars needed an extra quarterback for the preseason finale. Another possibility would have been to let E.J. Perry play the whole game, both he has hardly gotten any reps in practice and the Jags will be evaluating other positions, not just the quarterback.

Bringing Luton back also gives Beathard the chance to fully recover. He suffered a hamstring injury during Organized Team Activities and returned a few days ago. However, he’s struggled in practice and live action, so limiting his workload and resting an extra game gives him the chance to get healthy, as Pederson said.

The Jaguars will most likely carry two quarterbacks into the regular season, Lawrence and Beathard, but there’s still a game left in their preseason slate and someone has to line up behind center. Luton has gotten the nod.