Gabbert named Jaguars starting QB

Jacksonville, FL – The quarterback competition is over in Jacksonville.

First-year head coach Gus Bradley announced Monday that Blaine Gabbert will be under center when the Jaguars open the regular season on Sept. 8.

However, he will not play the rest of the preseason because of a hairline fracture in his right thumb. Bradley said Gabbert won't need surgery to repair the damage and expects him to be fully recovered in time for the Week 1 contest at home against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gabbert, who had been battling Chad Henne for the starting position, suffered the injury in Saturday's loss to the New York Jets. The 2011 first-round pick had made a strong case for the job prior to the injury, finishing with 165 yards and one touchdown on 13-of-16 passing.

Henne was not nearly as impressive, completing just 4-of-10 throws for 30 yards with an interception.

The 23-year-old Gabbert started the first 10 games in 2012 before a right forearm injury ended his season. Henne started the final six games.