Gabbert to start, MJD to sit in preseason opener

Henne still expected to see time with first team

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Blaine Gabbert will start at quarterback Friday when the Jaguars take the field in their preseason opener against the Dolphins.

Head coach Gus Bradley said the team arrived at a decision on Wednesday night, but this decision does not mean Gabbert will be the permanent starter.

"This is still an ongoing deal at the quarterback spot," Bradley said. "They're both in competition like a lot of positions on our team."

"I always expect to start football games," Gabbert said. "At the same time, I know competition is going to be the theme of this organization, so you never take things for granted and you still have to go and prove yourself day in and day out. My mindset is not going to change. Just go out there. Take care of business and move on."

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Chad Henne will back up Gabbert but will still see time with the first team offensive line.

The Jaguars will be missing some key pieces to their offense. Maurice Jones-Drew is healthy enough to play against the Dolphins, but will sit out as a precautionary measure. Jacksonville will also be without backup running back Justin Forsett, meaning Jordan Todman will start.

"I'm ready but they want to continue to give me another week in practice, get more adjusted with things," Jones-Drew said. "But things have been going well so far, so we kind of want to keep on that path."

Bradley also confirmed Cecil Shorts will miss the first preseason game with a strained left calf. Shorts told Channel 4 on Monday the injury was nothing serious but the team will be careful in his recovery.