Gabbert to start for Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been given the starting assignment for the Jacksonville Jaguars for their game Sunday at Carolina.

Jacksonville Coach Jack Del Rio announced the decision Wednesday.

The matchup will pit two high draft choices against each other. Cam Newton, the No. 1-overall pick in the 2011 draft, is the 0-2 Panthers' starting quarterback. Gabbert was taken 10th in the draft.

Luke McCown started the first two games this season for Jacksonville (1-1), which released last year's starter David Garrard just before the regular season started. McCown completed just 6-of-19 passes for 59 yards and was intercepted four times in a 32-3 loss Sunday to the New York Jets.

Gabbert was inserted into the lineup late in the game and hit 5-of-6 passes for 52 yards.

As a collegian, Gabbert passed for 6,822 yards and 40 touchdowns while building an 18-8 record while a starter at Missouri.