Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley has been noncommittal about who will start the regular season at quarterback, but he could be getting a step closer as Blaine Gabbert will get the start in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Jets. Gabbert hasn't been impressive since entering the league in 2011, but the Jaguars have had front-office issues during that time, unable to surround him with talent.
NFL news roundup: Blaine Gabbert to start for Jaguars, Von Miller appeal delayed
The Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t finalized their decision at quarterback yet, but they may be getting one step closer.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Henne outplayed Gabbert in the team’s first preseason game, throwing for 87 yards and completing over 70% of his passes. By comparison, Gabbert completed just 50%, failed to throw for 20 yards and had one interception. The decision to start Gabbert could largely be based on age, rather than pure performance. The Jaguars will likely select a quarterback in the 2014 draft if the third-year quarterback can’t prove he’s taken steps forward, and at 28 years old, it’s hard to saddle the team’s future to Henne.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller was expected to appear in New York to appeal his suspension on Thursday, but the hearing was delayed due to unspecified "complications." Miller remained in New York to deal with issues stemming from the suspension.
It's been a difficult month for Miller, who was arrested last week following an outstanding warrant. The 2011 defensive rookie of the year is hoping the appeal process will cut short his planned four-game suspension, allowing him to start the season with the Broncos, who are expected to challenge for the AFC Championship this year.
Teams typically play their starters for roughly a quarter in the second preseason game, but Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will push his first team further, announcing today that they’ll play the entire first half.
Friday’s game represents an excellent test for the new-look Chiefs against a stout 49ers defense. San Francisco allowed just 220 yards in its first preseason game, and only 103 yards through the air. Alex Smith will get a chance to show his old team what he can do in a new offense.
The Houston Texans are on the verge of getting back their star running back, as Arian Foster is set to return to practice on Monday. He'll miss the Texans' second preseason game, but recovering from the calf strain that has sidelined the back is of vital importance.
Houston's backup, Ben Tate, hasn't been healthy in his own right. Still recovering from a groin injury, the Texans' running game has been a mystery this preseason. Foster's health will prove how well the offense can play in 2013, as the Texans look for a deep playoff run.
The New Orleans Saints' defense is trying to rebound after a league-worst 2012 season, and it'll have to install Rob Ryan's new scheme without one of its most important starters. Vilma missed much of training camp due to an undisclosed injury, which was revealed Thursday to be the aggravation of his long-standing knee issues.
Vilma will miss the remainder of preseason, but is expected to be ready for the first regular season game.
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