Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert returned to practice on Monday for the first time since being diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his right thumb.
Coach Gus Bradley said that Gabbert was progressing as planned, but cautioned that the team would have to see how his thumb dealt with the return to work before making any calls about who would start against the Chiefs on Sunday. Gabbert, who did not participate in 11-on-11 drills during Monday’s practice, said afterward that there was some discomfort in his thumb, but that he was determined to fight through it.
“It’s uncomfortable but at the same time, it’s just something you can’t worry about,” Gabbert said, via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times Union. “It’s about pain tolerance and having confidence in your throws and knowing that you can get the ball to spots that you need because not everything will be clean and crisp in the game. You have to make good throws and put throws into some tight windows so I’m just trying to progress to that level right now.”
It’s no bit surprise that Gabbert’s willing to play with pain if it means being in the lineup on Sunday. Chad Henne may not be the second coming of Otto Graham, but neither is Gabbert and giving Henne a chance to perform in the job would only increase the chances that Gabbert won’t wind up with it once he is fully recovered. The decision about the starter is expected on Wednesday.