Jacksonville Jaguars will have a new quarterback under center against Houston Texans in Week 8 showdown on Sunday. And it will be another sixth-rounder suiting up for the 1-6 Jags team.
Jacksonville’s head coach Doug Marrone told reporters on Monday that starter Gardner Minshew, a six-round pick in 2019, will have to miss the upcoming game due to a thumb injury and issues with his throwing arm. It was widely expected that Jags turn to backup Mike Glennon after this, but Marrone opted to give Jake Luton, a six-round selection from this year, a chance.
“I think Jake has a high ceiling,” said Marrone. “I just want to see where this kid’s at. … Might as well look. We might as well see what we have, right? Go ahead and play him, and let’s go.”
It isn’t a big surprise that Jacksonville are ready to throw a rookie into the fire like this, especially since they practically lost all playoff chances at this point.
If Luton shows up, the Jags can give him more playing time and see if he is a viable option on the position. If not, another loss means that the team will be closer to having a high draft pick that they can spend on a QB in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Before entering the NFL, Luton spent five years playing college football with Idaho, Ventura, and Oregon State. He started 11 games with Oregon in 2019, throwing for 2,714 yards, 28 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
