JACKSONVILLE – He's the guy. Again. For now.
That means Mike Glennon will start at quarterback for the Jaguars for a second consecutive week. It also means something of which Glennon is well aware:
Nothing is guaranteed moving forward.
"It's a performance-based industry," Glennon said as the Jaguars (1-10) prepared to play the Minnesota Vikings (5-6) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., Sunday at 1 p.m. "All of [the Jaguars' quarterbacks this season] have shown flashes.
"It's about consistency. I get it."
Glennon threw two touchdowns with no interceptions in a loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday – his first start since 2017 with Chicago. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone said Wednesday the eight-year veteran will start Sunday despite Gardner Minshew II being fully healthy after a thumb injury kept him out four games.
Minshew II started the season's first seven games, throwing 13 touchdowns with five interceptions. Rookie Jake Luton started three games before Glennon's start this past Sunday.
"I don't think anybody has given up on Gardner at all," offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said Wednesday. "I think this is just a matter of watching Mike after his first game in three and a half years – how well he did considering that. We'll see what he does in Game 2 against a very good Minnesota Vikings defense."
Marrone on Wednesday said it was "tough to say" what the Jaguars' quarterback situation will be over the last five games, adding that "everything in this league is day to day, week to week."
Glennon completed 20 of 35 passes for 235 yards and the two touchdowns against Cleveland – "there were a lot of good things and a few throws I'd like to have back," he said – while Gruden cited the veteran's poise and experience as reasons for a second consecutive start.
"He's always had a great feel for sitting in the pocket and waiting until the last second to deliver the ball – and he will take some hits because of that and possibly throw some air balls because of that," Gruden said. "But he has a great feel for the pocket, good understanding of the game – concepts, defenses, protections…"
Gruden also said Glennon's huddle presence, communication, and urgency impressed teammates.
"All that stuff plays a major role," Gruden said. "Pre-snap, I think Mike is probably our best option right now. Post-snap, I think all three of them do some great things and obviously Mike showed some flashes of being really productive for us and the best option this week.
"The tough thing right now for this football team is we've gone through three quarterbacks. We're talking each week to a different guy as a starter and they're getting the reps and the other guy's not. Gardner's not gotten first-team reps in about four or five weeks. It's nice to have some stability at the position. We worked with Mike last week and thought he did a good enough job to possibly win that game.
"We came up a little bit short, but we want to see how he progresses in Game 2 and possibly Game 3. That will be up to Coach Marrone. To change quarterbacks is not easy for any of the quarterbacks."
Marrone in naming Glennon the starter Wednesday said he, Gruden and quarterbacks Ben McAdoo decided that the eight-year veteran simply gave the Jaguars the best chance to win.
"It's good to have the respect of the coaches, and for them to say that that's great," Glennon said. "But at the end of the day, it's about going out there week after week and stacking good performances. It's one of 11. Anything can change in a given week and I'm going to take it one game at a time."
NOTABLE
Jaguars players limited in practice Wednesday: Cornerback Sidney Jones IV (Achilles), wide receivers DJ Chark Jr. (ribs) and Chris Conley (hip), running back Dare Ogunbowale (hand), defensive back Brandon Rusnak (ribs/quad), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and safety Jarrod Wilson (shoulder). Missing practice were linebacker Dakota Allen (ankle), linebacker Kamalei Correa, nose tackle DaVon Hamilton (knee) and tight end Ben Ellefson (knee). Defensive tackle Abry Jones (ankle) is designated to return from injured reserve, but Marrone said he will work on the side Wednesday. The following players are expected to work full Wednesday after being out with injuries: linebacker Shaq Quarterman, safety Josh Jones. Center Brandon Linder and tight end Tyler Eifert will miss practice Wednesday with a scheduled off day.
QUOTABLE
Glennon on the relationship of the three Jaguars quarterbacks: "Everybody has each other's back. There's no taking sides. It's, 'Next Man Up.' I helped them and now they help me. It's a good group. They're both really good guys and I've enjoyed working with them."
