It was another hot practice session for the Jacksonville Jaguars Tuesday as the team took the field without their leader on offense in quarterback Nick Foles. According to the team, Foles is taking care of a personal matter which coach Doug Marrone hinted was a family issue.
With their leader out, reserve quarterbacks Alex McGough and Gardner Minshew did their best to seize their increased reps. In the early stages of Day 4, McGough was the signal-caller who was turning heads while showcasing his arm strength all throughout. His throw of the day came against former Pro Bowl cornerback A.J. Bouye, who was beat deep by DJ Chark on a streak pattern up the sidelines.
McGough, 23, has been the Jags’ most frequently mentioned quarterback not named Nick Foles since OTAs began, at least by the local media. According to them, he has looked better than both Tanner Lee and Minshew throughout the first four days of OTAs, which is somewhat of a surprise despite it being early. If McGough could somehow defy the odds, it would certainly put smiles on the faces of the local fans rooting for the Tampa Bay native, who attended Florida International University from 2014-17.
Unfortunately, McGough cooled down later in the practice and Minshew took advantage of that by finishing strong in the closing drill. The surge by Minshew without a doubt was a welcomed one as he’s had his rookie moments during the opening days of camp.
Other Day 4 tidbits and absences
- Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and tailback Alfred Blue were the lone two players who were absent from Tuesday’s session. Both were reported to be none medical issues, and one would think Ngakoue’s is related to his contract situation.
- Receiver Marqise Lee, pass rusher Josh Allen, linebacker Jake Ryan and tailback Benny Cunningham all practiced on the side Tuesday, while Cam Robinson continued to rehab his knee on the inside. Eventually he came to the sidelines to support the team, and didn’t have on a knee brace, which could be a positive sign.
- Rookie linebacker Quincy Williams sustained a foot injury after someone stepped on his foot during Tuesday’s session. The severity is unknown but he was taken to the locker room on a golf cart.
- Cornerback A.J. Bouye met with the media after practice to discuss the difference Foles has made for the offense since joining the team. He also revealed that he has another daughter on the way and will be getting married next offseason.
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