Byron Leftwich is likely to leave the Jacksonville Jaguars after being overlooked for the starting quarterback job.
Garrard named as starting quarterback in Jacksonville
Byron Leftwich is set to leave the Jacksonville Jaguars after being overlooked for the starting quarterback job.
David Garrard has been preferred to Leftwich to start under centre for the Jaguars during the upcoming season.
Leftwich, who has had an injury-plagued time in Jacksonville, only played six games last year, throwing for 1,159 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
Garrard, a back-up over the last five years, came on strong in Leftwich's absence last season, throwing for 1,735 yards 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions, although the Jaguars finished 8-8 and missed the play-offs.
According to US media reports, Leftwich will now be released by the Jaguars, although the identity of Garrard's back-up is still unknown.
"He's proven to be a playmaker for us...a threat throwing it and running with it and I think he's earned the opportunity," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said of Garrard at a press conference on Friday.
"He's a player with a quick release. He's been totally unselfish."
Del Rio's decision represents a u-turn for the coach, who had appointed Leftwich as his starter in late February this year.
"I feel a real sense of conviction about this decision," added Del Rio.
