Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen has made it clear since late November that it would be a priority to evaluateTerrelle Pryor down the stretch.
After six consecutive Matt McGloin starts, Allen announced Monday that Pryor will reclaim the quarterback job for the season finale versus the Denver Broncos.
Allen emphasized that the decision was part of the plan all along and does not reflect on McGloin's play, according to the Contra Costa Times.
It's easy for Allen to say, realizing there are no quarterback controversies for a team whose season ends next week.
Had McGloin maintained a high level of play, the priority would be on further evaluation of his skills rather than Pryor's.
Instead, McGloin has regressed. He's thrown an interception in five consecutive games, including five in the last two weeks. Much like Case Keenum in Houston, McGloin has also struggled against the blitz.
Allen insists McGloin has a future with the team. What he didn't say is that it's likely as a backup to a quarterback brought in throught the NFL Draft, trade or free agency.
The Raiders will now use the final game of the season to better assess Pryor's chances of hanging around as a legitimate option for the 2014 season.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" broke down every Week 16 game. *
