Blake down?
Jaguars may demote Bortles
Blake Bortles may have started his last game in Jacksonville.
Coach Doug Marrone opened up the team’s quarterback competition Thursday night after another inconsistent performance from Bortles, the third overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.
Bortles completed 8 of 13 passes for 65 yards in a 12-8 exhibition loss to the Buccaneers. All four of his drives ended in punts. The first-team offense now has three points in Bortles’ six preseason possessions.
“I’m looking for someone who is going to lead this offense,” Marrone said. “I’m not happy with the performance. I’m not going to sit here and BS anyone. Everyone saw it out there. Whatever you want to call it, I’m still trying to evaluate who the best person is at that position.”
Backup Chad Henne completed 6 of 10 passes for 44 yards against the Bucs. Bortles has 11 wins and 11 interceptions returned for touchdowns in 45 career starts. STEELERS: Le’Veon Bell’s trainingcamp holdout was nearly over before it started. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the Steelers thought they were close to reaching a long-term contract with the running back in July. Bell declined the offer at the last minute before the July 17 franchise-tag deadline The deal was going to be worth more than $12 million over five years, according to the report.
PATRIOTS: Rookie defensive end Derek Rivers may be out for the rest of the season, according to ESPN. New England’s top draft pick (83rd overall) suffered a torn ACL and sprained LCL during a coverage drill in a joint practice with the Texans on Wednesday.
PANTHERS: Cam Newton will not dress for Carolina’s preseason game against the Titans in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, according to the NFL Network. The star quarterback is still working his way back from shoulder surgery.
CHARGERS: Receiver Keenan Allen, who is returning from an ACL injury, caught touchdowns in live red-zone and goal-line drills in joint practices against the Saints.