Del Rio must being to look to the future

It may be time for the Jaguars to transition to Byron Leftwich, the quarterback of the future.

Updated: September 26, 2003, 12:37 PM ET
By By Darrell Trimble | NFL Insider
Mark Brunell is still the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Jack Del Rio has stated that, despite a gash on Brunell's throwing shoulder that required five stitches. However, Del Rio did say that Brunell would only huddle up Sunday in Houston if he's healthy.

Brunell will be checked out Wednesday to see if the swelling has gone down, and Del Rio reserved the right to make a call on his starter right before gametime. Such a proclamation leaves Del Rio a little wiggle room in case he decides that it's time for the team to transition to Byron Leftwich, the quarterback of the future.

Brunell is a gamer, as he once again showed by trying to play through the pain, but there is no better time to bring in Leftwich. At 0-3, the Jags postseason hopes are disappearing faster than Jerry Rice's hair. Plus, the next two opponents are the Houston Texans and the San Diego Chargers, who have one win between them.


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