Team news: Kansas City Chiefs | Page 99

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert (right thumb) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Gabbert is iffy for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. If he's out, Chad Henne could put up solid numbers (and Cecil Shorts would get a slight bump as well).

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert (right thumb) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Gabbert is iffy for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. If he's out, Chad Henne could put up solid numbers (and Cecil Shorts would get a slight bump as well).

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (knee) practiced fully Wednesday.

Albeit in a limited fashion, Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert worked for the first time since breaking a bone in his right (throwing) thumb Aug. 17 against the New York Jets.

Gabbert advanced to gripping the football in his hand over the weekend and during the 30 minutes practice was open to the media, he threw short passes but did not take a snap from center or the shotgun formation.

While the team is optimistic about his availability for Sunday’s season opener against Kansas City, Gabbert must clear a few more hurdles before coach Gus Bradley names him the starter.

“I did a little more than I have been [doing] and we’ll see how I feel [Tuesday],” Gabbert said. “We stretched the ball down the field a little bit, but at the same time, we were smart.”

The story added that Gabbert did not take any 11-on-11 reps and the Jaguars were coy about his activity, partly because they can be (they aren’t required to issue an injury report until Wednesday) and partly because they want to keep Kansas City guessing and prepare for Gabbert and Chad Henne. Gabbert had looked good before going down, so the timing was unfortunate. He certainly has some talent around him, but there are just too many other options right now for your fantasy QB starter.

TE Travis Kelce, a third-round draft pick who showed great promise early in training camp, missed last week’s game at Pittsburgh because of a knee injury.

The Chiefs run a lot of formations with two tight ends, and Fasano leads the club with eight receptions for 69 yards in the preseason.

Fasano, who signed with the Chiefs as a free agent during the offseason, believes the young players can fill Moeaki’s role, especially Kelce.

“Travis has come a long way, even from spring,” Fasano said. “For a rookie, he has a lot of confidence, and a great skill set. Losing Tony, if that were to happen, would definitely be a loss, but our tight end position will be able to step in and fill the void.”

With Tony Moeaki out indefinitely with a shoulder fracture, Kelce and Fasano are suddenly on the deep league TE radar. Fasano figures to play more, but it's tough to say who will see more targets. It depends on how quickly Kelce develops.

Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who sustained a hairline fracture in his right (throwing) thumb 10 days ago, said today he’s “still on schedule” to be able to play against Kansas City Sept. 8.

Gabbert hasn’t practiced or even gripped a football since he was injured against the New York Jets Aug. 17. He has worn a splint on the thumb and has been on the practice field each day as a spectator.

The next step for Gabbert is gripping the football.

“We’ll know more tomorrow and in the next couple days,” he said in the Jaguars locker room. “It’s coming up quick.”

Gabbert will have to play with pain if he’s able to start against the Chiefs.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew's foot has held up in camp and he got his work in during the last two preseason games. Everything about No. 32’s progress has been positive.

MJD is going in the third round, which is a nice spot to grab a RB2 with the potential to get back to top-10 form. He's ranked 15th on our RB list, but if he can stay healthy another 300-plus carry season is certainly possible. If QB Blaine Gabbert can continue to improve and the Jags develop a passing threat with Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon, that will only help elevate MJD's production. Either way, he's succeeded before working with a lot less...

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley names Blaine Gabbert starting QB.

Just seconds later, Long tweeted that Gabbert will also miss the rest of the preseason, but is expected to be ready to go for Week 1. Gabbert played pretty well against the Jets in preseason Week 2, enough to earn the starting job. Up until that point, neither Gabbert nor Chad Henne had done much of anything to stand out. Owners of WRs Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon, and even RB Maurice Jones-Drew owners, should hope Gabbert continues to build off his last performance. Last season, Gabbert's per target production to Shorts was good, but he didn't throw it to Shorts as much as Henne did.

Jaguars rookie wide receiver Ace Sanders continues to make an impact for the Jaguars. He'll have a big role to start the season.

With Justin Blackmon suspended the first four games, Sanders has a chance to step in alongside Cecil Shorts and make a name for himself. The key will be the play of QB Blaine Gabbert, however.