JACKSONVILLE, Fla. _ Two months after sustaining a broken left collarbone, Nick Foles is regaining the Jaguars starting quarterback job from rookie Gardner Minshew.
Coach Doug Marrone announced the change on Tuesday before Foles was officially activated from the team's reserve/injured list to the 53-man roster.
Foles' first start since the Sept. 8 opener against Kansas City will come on Nov. 17, when the Jaguars play the Indianapolis Colts.
Foles, a former Super Bowl MVP with the Philadelphia Eagles, has been practicing since Oct. 23.
"I've made a decision and Nick will be our starting quarterback going forward." Marrone said. "Obviously my decision, worked hard on it. Brought both players in this morning and spoke to them. For me, it was looking back at all the work we put in. I just go back to the experience and what he's (Foles) going to be able to do. I think that's going to give us the ability, a better chance of winning right now."
Minshew, a sixth-round pick in the 2019 draft out of Washington State, became a fan favorite in Jacksonville and across the country after replacing Foles 10 plays into the opener against the Chiefs.
A rookie sensation, fans took a liking to Minshew's wit, love for wearing headbands and jean shirts, his mustache and most of all his throwing accuracy.
In four starts, Minshew led the Jaguars to a 4-4 record but had his worst performance of the season in Sunday's 26-3 loss to Houston in London.
Marrone didn't elaborate in detail, but Minshew apparently did not take the decision well.
"I think Gardner is a competitor," Marrone said. "He's done a great job. Obviously when I say someone is a competitor and they hear something like that, I think everyone can figure that."
The Jaguars did not make Foles, Minshew or their teammates available for interviews on Tuesday.
Minshew completed 27 of 47 passes for 309 yards, which included a 59.6 passer rating and four turnovers (two fumbles, two interceptions) against the Texans. But Marrone said Minshew's worst performance of the season had no bearing on his overall decision.
The Jaguars made a significant financial investment in Foles this past spring, when they signed him to a four-year, $88 million free agent contract, which includes $50.1 million in guaranteed money. With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Jaguars want a return on their investment.
