JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich and head coach Jack Del Rio remain at odds on the status of Leftwich's left ankle.
The Jaguars signal-caller has claimed the past two weeks that he is ready to return as the starter, but back-up David Garrard has subbed for him against Tennessee and Philadelphia and Del Rio has named Garrard the starter for this Sunday's contest against Houston.
Publicly, Leftwich has said he accepts Del Rio's decision.
"Right now, (the ankle) feels about 90 percent," Leftwich said on the team's Web site after a meeting with Del Rio earlier this week.
He has ruled out surgery, and Del Rio thinks he needs more rehabilitation time. "I have a reaction (but) the coach makes the decision. As a pro, I have to do whatever I can to help this team. I will not be a distraction."
Leftwich has passed for seven touchdowns and 1,159 yards in six games.
