Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Jaguars not looking to switch QBs again
Quarterback Cody Kessler has taken the Jaguars to a new low in 2018.
The Jaguars (4-10) have totaled 658 yards in three games since Kessler replaced inconsistent starter Blake Bortles, including a season-low 192 yards in a 16-13 loss to the Redskins on Sunday. It’s the franchise’s worst three-game stretch of offense since Blaine Gabbert’s second year in 2012.
But coach Doug Marrone doesn’t plan on switching back to Bortles for the final two games of the season, beginning Sunday at the Dolphins.
“All the players, we’re telling them just to be ready to go,” Marrone said Monday. “It’s hard to evaluate when there’s a high level of inconsistency around you.”
The Jaguars have apparently moved on from Bortles, the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, and want to see if Kessler deserves to be on the roster next season. Top decision-maker Tom Coughlin and general manager Dave Caldwell traded a conditional seventh-round draft pick to the Browns to acquire Kessler as a backup in March.
Nonetheless, Kessler isn’t exactly securing his future.
He has led the offense to one touchdown and four field goals in 31 possessions. It’s the first time in franchise history that the Jags have managed just one offensive touchdown during any three-game stretch.
“We’re not being able to make plays,” Marrone said. “I’m responsible for that, so that falls on me.”
Extra points: The Falcons placed rookie RB Ito Smith on injured reserve with a knee injury and are moving closer to ruling out a return for starter Devonta Freeman. Smith is the ninth Falcons player to be placed on IR this season. Coach Dan Quinn said it is “unlikely” Freeman will return this season. Freeman, was placed on IR on Oct. 16 with a groin injury . ... Chargers TE Hunter Henry took part in his first practice nearly seven months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Henry remains on the physically unable to perform list . ... Titans CB Logan Ryan says he broke his left leg in Sunday’s victory over the Giants, writing on social media he believes a player should release his own injury news.