Blake Bortles set to play with starters

DETROIT – Jaguars rookie QB Blake Bortles will play with the first team offense for the first time in the preseason against the Lions Friday night.

Head coach Gus Bradley said Chad Henne will start against the Lions, playing more than a quarter, and Bortles will be on the field for about a quarter.

Henne understands the decision by Bradley and thinks getting Bortles time with the first team is good for the future.

"He definitely needs that opportunity, especially when you never know what's going to happen during the season, whether I go down or I'm not playing well and he needs to step in," Henne said. "It's a good test. It's a good defense."

Bortles, the No. 3 overall pick, insisted it does not feel awkward to be competing for a job with a veteran who has been a mentor and friend.

"I think both of us want the same thing and that is for this team to be as successful as it can," Bortles said.

The game will also provide a good test for the Jaguars retooled defense.

News4Jax Sports Director Sam Kouvaris caught up with Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny in Detroit last night.

"This is going to be a great challenge for our defense," Posluszny said. "They have outstanding skill position players. They have guys who can catch the ball big time. A quarterback with a big arm to throw it down the field . It will be very challenging for our defense. It will be a good test for us."

The Jaguars and the Lions kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on The Local Station. The Everbank Jaguars Gameday pregame show starts at 7 p.m.