JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have named journeyman Jacques McClendon their starting center.
McClendon beat out Mike Brewster and rookie Luke Bowanko, a sixth-round draft pick from Virginia. Brewster was waived Friday.
McClendon is in his fifth NFL season, but has played in just nine games. His only two starts came at left guard in the final two games of last season. So Sunday’s game at Philadelphia will mark his NFL debut at center.
Bradley said McClendon’s experience gave him the edge over Bowanko.
“We feel that Luke still has an upside,” Bradley said. “He’ll continue to compete in the reps that he gets, but we just felt at this point in time, Jacques is the guy.”
The Jaguars had veteran Brad Meester at center the last 12 years. He retired in January, leaving a huge hole in the middle of the line.
Had Bradley chosen Bowanko, the Jaguars would have had two rookies and a second-year player on the offensive line. Even with McClendon in the starting lineup, Jacksonville will have one of the most inexperienced lines in the league. Fellow rookie Brandon Linder will start at right guard, with 2013 first-round draft pick Luke Joeckel at left tackle.
Bradley also expects everyone to play Sunday at Philadelphia except right tackle Austin Pasztor, offensive tackle Josh Wells and tight end Clay Harbor. That means guard Zane Beadles (calf), defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks (shoulder), receiver Allen Robinson (hamstring) and kicker Josh Scobee (quad) should be back after missing time.
The Jaguars also signed cornerback Peyton Thompson and running back Henry Josey to their practice squad.
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