Vince Young won't have to face a full-strength Jaguars secondary in his first start of the 2009 season.
Starting cornerback Rashean Mathis was ruled out of Sunday's game because of a broken finger on Friday. He broke the digit during the October 25th win against St. Louis and had surgery on it during the bye week. Mathis wasn't able to practice at all this week, which essentially made today's announcement a formality.
Mathis has two interceptions this season, and will be replaced in the starting lineup by either Tyron Brackenridge or Scott Starks. It also forces rookie Derek Cox, who has had his ups and downs this season, into the number one cornerback spot.
While no one will mistake a team guided by Young for one with a potent passing attack, it will be interesting to see if they can do anything to exploit Mathis's absence on Sunday.
Rashean Mathis ruled out for Jaguars
Posted by Josh Alper on October 30, 2009 5:55 PM ET
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Latest stories in: Injuries, Jacksonville Jaguars, Latest News and Rumors, Tennessee Titans, Top Stories
Latest stories in: Injuries, Jacksonville Jaguars, Latest News and Rumors, Tennessee Titans, Top Stories
The problem won't be the Jaguars secondary.
It'll be the 16 inches or so between Young's ears.
At the first sign of adversity, I predict he'll be on the bench sulking again.
He's every bit as big a bust as Brady Quinn at this point.
"While no one will mistake a team guided by Young for one with a potent passing attack, it will be interesting to see if they can do anything to exploit Mathis's absence on Sunday."
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Weak (or "week" as Darnell Dockett would say) attempt at a Florio-esque comment, Josh.
But still, I'm sure Papa Mike would be proud of you for trying.
What difference does it make - all season long, QB's have been throwing at the rookie on the other side. And how has Derek Cox responded? Well, intercepting Peyton Manning in the end zone in week 1 to start. 34 tackles and 2 picks in 6 games. So let Mathis rest the hand one more week...