With Garrard out, Jaguars sign Bouman to back up Gray

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Todd Bouman signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, providing the team with a backup quarterback while David Garrard recovers from an ankle injury.

Bouman, a 10-year pro who has six career starts, signed for the veteran minimum of $720,000. The 35-year-old Bouman has played in 42 games with Minnesota, New Orleans and Green Bay.

He was Brett Favre's backup last season with the Packers, but did not play. He has thrown for 1,683 yards with 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Bouman, Doug Johnson and Drew Henson worked out for the Jaguars on Wednesday. Bouman may have had an advantage since he played six years in Minnesota (1997-02) while current Jacksonville assistant head coach Mike Tice was part of that staff.

Garrard sprained his left ankle Monday night against Indianapolis and could be sidelined up to a month, leaving Quinn Gray to make his first career start Sunday at Tampa Bay.

The Jaguars need to make a roster move to create room for Bouman.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press