The Jaguars said they’d get quarterback Blake Bortles some time with the first team this week and they aren’t wasting any time making good on that promise.
Coach Gus Bradley said, via the team’s website, that Bortles would work with the starters during Monday’s practice. Bortles, who has played well in each of his appearances this preseason, will play about a quarter with the first team during Friday’s game against the Lions after starter Chad Henne departs.
Bortles may get to do some work with Cecil Shorts during his time with the first string this week. The receiver returned to practice on Sunday after missing all but one day of training camp because of a hamstring injury. That’s one of many issues that have left the Jaguars thin at receiver this summer and his return to action will help both of the team’s quarterbacks look better.
The Jaguars also saw linebacker Dekoda Watson return to the practice field Sunday. Watson had been on the PUP list after offseason sports hernia surgery, so Sunday’s work was his first of training camp. Bradley said both he and Shorts could play against the Lions.