Bortles named Jaguars' starting QB
One of the shortest quarterback competitions in NFL history is over.
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Saturday that Blake Bortles will be the team's starter for its season opener against the Houston Texans, ending his short-lived battle with Chad Henne.
Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said the starting job was "up there for grabs" after Bortles struggled mightily over the first two preseason games following a disappointing 2016 campaign.
Henne started the third exhibition game Thursday over Bortles, but was unable to unseat the young pivot, who played in the second half and looked marginally better than his backup.
The Jaguars took up Bortles' fifth-year option in May, further tying the organization to the former No. 3 overall pick. Bortles' option is guaranteed for injury only, meaning that if he suffers a long-term injury, the team could be stuck with him and his $19-million salary in 2018.
Jacksonville's likely hoping Bortles can recapture the form he displayed in 2015, when he appeared to be the team's franchise player, but there are serious concerns about the 25-year-old's mechanics and decision-making.
In order to minimize his role, the Jaguars will likely heavily rely on first-round running back Leonard Fournette.