Despite his benching during Sunday’s loss against the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars are sticking with Blake Bortles at quarterback.
Coach Doug Marrone announced Monday that Bortles will retain the starting job when the Jaguars face the Philadelphia Eagles at Wembley Stadium in London.
Statement from Head Coach Doug Marrone:
"I spoke to both quarterbacks this afternoon and told them that Blake will be our team's starting quarterback. I believe this gives us the best opportunity to win." pic.twitter.com/eDXVHtUrTf
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) October 22, 2018
ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that, while Bortles would retain the job, the Jaguars would not hesitate to replace him if he struggles and would keep him on a “short leash.”
Jaguars' QB Cody Kessler will get reps this week with Jacksonville's starting offense, and Blake Bortles will be on "a short leash", but he will retain his starting job Sunday against the Philadephia Eagles.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2018
Bortles was benched early in the second half Sunday, with Marrone saying it was meant to try to light a fire under his players. It didn’t really work consistently. Even now, Bortles probably won’t feel too secure. The willingness to replace him with Kessler coupled with reports that the players would prefer to see the team give someone else a shot means his long-term future with the organization has to be considered very much in doubt.
