Gardner Minshew named Jags’ starter after Nick Foles’ struggles

The Jaguars are going back to Gardner Minshew.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars will be going back to the Mississippi Mustache.

On a conference call with the media Monday, Doug Marrone announced that the team will be officially rolling with rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II after he replaced Nick Foles midway through Week 13’s loss to the Tampa Bay Bucs. He added that the rookie gives the team more elusiveness in the pocket, which has been a huge issue with Foles.

Foles, who injured his collarbone in Week 1, returned to the Jags’ lineup as the starter in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, but could never find a groove. His struggles really flared up Sunday against the Bucs, as he gave up three turnovers (a pick and two fumbles). He ultimately finished the game 7-of-14 for 93 yards and a pick.

With the team down 25-0 in the first half and in desperate need of a spark, coach Doug Marrone went back to Minshew, who was 4-4 during his time as a starter.

Minshew electrified the league and his team during the first two quarters of the season, winning six Pepsi Rookie of the Week awards while playing. He was also the Rookie of the Month for September and finished his initial run with the Jags 188-of-307 (61.2%) for 2,285 yards, 14 touchdowns, and four picks before Foles took the starting job back.