Gabbert Out, But Will Retain Starting Job Upon Return
JACKSONVILLE (CBSMiami/AP) — Blaine Gabbert is once again back on the bench, but it's not for his abysmal play this season. Instead, he's on the bench with another injury, this time a strained hamstring.
Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley also reiterated that he's planning to stick with Gabbert, the 10th overall pick in the 2011 draft, as the starter when he's healthy again.
"Right now, that's what I think," Bradley said. "There are some crazy things that can happen, I guess. ... We'll see how Blaine does this week with his injury. I know it's very important for him to get back, and he's going to do everything he can to get back."
Chad Henne will make his third start of the season. Henne has completed 56 percent of his passes for 601 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has been sacked eight times.
Gabbert has been considerably worse. He has completed 49 percent of his passes for 481 yards, with a TD and seven INTs. Three of his picks have been returned for touchdowns — one in every start. Gabbert also has been sacked 12 times.
Equally troubling for the Jaguars (0-5) is that Gabbert can't seem to stay healthy.
He has failed to finish six of his last 10 starts, including the preseason. He's had a shoulder injury, a forearm injury, a broken thumb, a sliced-open hand and now a strained hamstring. He also missed time with a sprained ankle in training camp.
"We have to take a look at it and see why. We have to really study it. But I can't argue the fact that some things have popped up for him."
The Jaguars have lost every game by double digits.
They looked to have a shot at breaking a nine-game losing streak Sunday until Gabbert badly overthrew a pass to Justin Blackmon. It was picked off and returned 82 yards for a score.
"I feel strongly about Blaine, but there were missed opportunities by Blaine this week and he's got to step up in the pocket, he's got to stay strong, he's got to play with confidence and make those passes that he does in practice," Bradley said. "And that's the next step for him. We're always competing."
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