Since he suffered a hairline fracture to his right – also
his throwing – thumb just over a week ago, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Blaine Gabbert hasn’t been able to grip a football, much less practice. Still,
Gabbert told Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union that he is “still on
schedule” to be able to suit up for the team’s regular season opener against
the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 8.
Since sustaining the injury on Aug. 17 during a preseason
contest against the New York Jets, Gabbert has been a spectator at practice,
sporting a split to protect his thumb and help it heal. Before he can think
about returning to practice, Gabbert has to show that he can grip a football.
Gabbert said that more should be known regarding his
condition in the next couple days. Whatever the case, the quarterback has
admitted that, if he’s able to suit up for Week 1, he’ll have to play through
pain.
“Of course it’s going to be painful but at the same time, you’re always playing with things, nicks, bumps, dings and bruises,” he said. “I’ll have to manage it.”
To this point, the Jaguars have targeted a week from today
as Gabbert’s return date. That would give him four days prior to the regular
season opener.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
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