Schuetz

As expected for a long time already, the Jacksonville Jaguars placed quarterback Byron Leftwich on the injured reserve list on Friday. This transfer on the IR list not only ends his 2006 season but also raise speculation at his future with the franchise.

Leftwich, 26, was placed on the starting roster for the first six innings of the season. His last appearance dates back to Oct. 22nd when the Jaguars lost against at Houston. This game was the culminating point of a week in which he experienced discomfort in his left ankle. The following week, the fifth-year veteran David Garrard replaced him on the roster starting the past five games. Garrard is 3-2 completing 72 of 127 passes for 859 yards, with five touchdown passes and four interceptions.

Last month, Leftwich underwent tests on his balky ankle with Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. in order get a second opinion. The test also revealed that there was debris and bone spurs in the joint. The renowned orthopedist recommended the four-year veteran signal-caller to rest his ankle for 7-10 days and to have it re-evaluated after. Eventually, Leftwich underwent surgery on Nov. 21st to clean out the ankle.

The Jaguars did not immediately place Leftwich on injured reserve. But the weeks passing by, it seems clear that Laftwch would not be able to play this season. The first-round pick in the 2003 draft, is expected to be fully rehabilitated well in advance of 2007 training camp. But Leftwich will enter the final season of his original rookie contract in 2007. He is also expected to receive as base salary $5.2 million.

The Jaguars could judge this amount exorbitant to carry if the former Marshall star is not the starter. Besides Leftwich was 3-3 as a starter this year before the ankle injury and is 24-20 for his career. Thats why there is a common feeling among Jaguars officials that the player may not return next season. For the time being, the Jaguars promoted defensive back David Richardson from their practice squad to replace the injured player on the roster.