Jaguars to start QB Blaine Gabbert in preseason vs Dolphins; MJD being held out as precaution

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars are giving Blaine Gabbert the first shot at the team's open quarterback competition.

Coach Gus Bradley announced Thursday Gabbert will start against the Miami Dolphins on Friday, but he plans to give Chad Henne repetitions behind the first-team offensive line.

Bradley also says running back Maurice Jones-Drew won't play in the preseason opener while he recovers from foot surgery. Eight others, including four starters, will be held out because of injuries. The group includes starting defensive end Jeremy Mincey, rookie safety Johnathan Cyprien and receivers Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts III. The others are backup running back Justin Forsett, defensive tackle Brandon Deaderick and cornerbacks Jeremy Harris and Lionel Smith.

Bradley says the staff decided to go with Gabbert because "he's really shown a lot of poise."