Blaine Gabbert is healthy enough to fully practice after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. But Gabbert is not going to start for Jacksonville on Sunday in London.
Jaguars coach Gus Bradleyconfirmed that Chad Henne will start at quarterback against the San Francisco 49ersin London even though Gabbert is healthy, the Florida Times-Union noted Wednesday.
This benching won't get as much attention as Brandon Weeden's dismissal in Cleveland, but they are very similar situations. Jacksonville's new regime, led by Bradley and general manager David Caldwell, have steadfastly supported Gabbert publicly. This move speaks louder than any words. Gabbert has lost his job.
Henne, like Jason Campbellin Cleveland, is not any team's idea of a "franchise quarterback." He's a stopgap solution designed to help a struggling offense attempt to stay afloat.
Weeden's career in Cleveland is all but over. Perhaps Gabbert could win back the starting job after Jacksonville's Week 8 bye, but this move confirms that the organization essentially has given up on him as a real solution to its quarterback problems.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" recapped every Week 7 game.
