Jaguars Vs. Saints Reaction: Blaine Gabbert And Justin Blackmon Get Acquainted

The Jacksonville Jaguars moved their preseason record to 2-0 on Friday night as they defeated the New Orleans Saints 24-20 in the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome.

Yes, the wins don't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but for many fans of the Jaguars these wins are necessary. The feeling of winning is a beautiful thing, and if there's a chance to carrying an inkling of that feeling into the regular season, then its well worth getting that elusive W.

Something else worth carrying into the regular season would be the productivity of the Jaguars last two first-round draft picks in Blaine Gabbert and Justin Blackmon. Both shined on Friday as Gabbert threw for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 13-of-16 passing and Blackmon finished with 48 yards receiving along with 4 catches, one of which resulted in a nifty touchdown. Quite a debut for the former Biletnikoff winner from Oklahoma State.

It was only one half of football in a game that doesn't matter at all, but that doesn't mean you can't hope for the tandem to grow with each other and help the Jaguars succeed in the long term.

Stick with this StoryStream for news updates, scores and more from the Jaguars vs.Saints preseason game. For all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country. For the Saints perspective on things, head over to Canal Street Chronicles, and don't miss SB Nation on YouTube.

Chad Henne Fights A Defensive Lineman

Jaguars Vs. Saints Final Score: Jacksonville Fights Off New Orleans, 24-20

After leading 17-10 at halftime, the New Orleans Saints mounted a furious comeback over the Jacksonsville Jaguars and with less than a minute remaining in regulation, it looked as if New Orleans would escape with 24-20 victory in Friday night'd NFL preseason game.

But the Jacksonville Jaguars refused to go down without a fight and thanks to some pass interference calls, quarterback Jordan Palmer hit wideout Kevin Elliott for an 11-yard, go ahead touchdown to secure the 24-20 victory.

Blaine Gabbert had a solid game throwing for 112 yards and two touchdowns and in his NFL preseason debut, wide receiver Justin Blackmon caught four passes for 48 yards.

Stick with this StoryStream for news updates, scores and more from the Jaguars vs. Saints preseason game. For all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country. For the Saints perspective on things, head over to Canal Street Chronicles, and don't miss SB Nation on YouTube.

Jaguars Running Back Keith Toston Injured

According to Jaguars.com senior writer John Oehser, Jacksonville running back Keith Toston is done for the night in Friday's contest against the New Orleans Saints:

RB Keith Toston (hamstring) will not return. #jaguars

— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) August 18, 2012

The 25-year-old Toston was out of football during the 2011 season when he was cut by the St. Louis Rams last September. He signed with the Jaguars in August.

On Friday night, Toston carried the ball four times and accumulated 49 yards with his longest run being 42 yards.

There is no word as to the severity of the injury or how long Toston could potentially be sidelined.

Stick with this StoryStream for news updates, scores and more from the Jaguars vs. Saints preseason game. For all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country. For the Saints perspective on things, head over to Canal Street Chronicles, and don't miss SB Nation on YouTube.

Jaguars Vs. Saints Score Update: Jacksonville Leads At The Half, 17-10

The Jacksonville Jaguars have gone into halftime against the New Orleans Saints in Friday night's NFL preseason game at the New Orleans Superdome with a 17-10 lead.

Blaine Gabbert, who has taken his share of criticism for his pocket presence and appearing to almost be playing scared on the field, has had a first 30 minutes of football that even his critics couldn't find fault with. Gabbert has completed 13 of his 16 passes for 112 yards in the air and two touchdowns.

Justin Blackmon made his preseason debut and was on the receiving end of a Gabbert touchdown while catching four passes for 48 yards.

Stick with this StoryStream for news updates, scores and more from the Jaguars vs. Saints preseason game. For all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country. For the Saints perspective on things, head over to Canal Street Chronicles, and don't miss SB Nation on YouTube

Jaguars Vs. Saints Inactives: Eugene Monroe Won't Play Against New Orleans

Thirteen Jaguars players will not play in Jacksonville's preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Friday night, according to Vito Stellino.

Monroe is one of 13 players not dressing. Daryl Smith is iffy. The other 12 are no surprise starting with mojo and session.

— Vito Stellino(@vitostellino) August 17, 2012

Related: Jaguars LB Nate Bussey Faces His Former Team

others not dressing are cox, mathis, youboty, torrence, bolen, rackley,spitz, miller, lane and chick.

— Vito Stellino(@vitostellino) August 17, 2012

Stellino added that Kyle Bosworth will start for Daryl Smith, while William Middleton and Aaron Ross will take the cornerback spots.

Friday night's game begins at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Stick with this StoryStream for news updates, scores and more from the Jaguars vs. Saints preseason game. For all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country. For the Saints perspective on things, head over to Canal Street Chronicles, and don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

Eugene Monroe Injury: Jaguars OT Unlikely To Play

Jacksonville Jaguars management reports that offensive tackle Eugene Monroe has travelled to New Orleans with the team but is unlikely to play, says Cole Pepper. Tyson Alualu, a defensive tackle who recently moved to the other side of the ball, will start for Monroe.

Monroe, selected eighth overall by Jacksonville in the 2009 NFL Draft, has started 42 of his 45 games in the league. He was injured in practice Wednesday, leaving on a cart after sustaining a possible concussion. That was just the latest injury to hit Jacksonville's line, already missing guard Will Rackley (high ankle sprain), guard Jason Spitz (foot injury) and center John Estes (knee injury).

Stick with this StoryStream for news updates, scores and more from the Jaguars vs. Saints preseason game. For all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country. For the Saints perspective on things, head over to Canal Street Chronicles, and don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

Jaguars Vs. Saints: New Orleans To Be Without Only 2 Starters

The New Orleans Saints will be missing a pair of starters when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night. Neither cornerback Jabari Greer nor running back Darren Sproles are going to play in the game.

The Saints are expected to have only two starters out tonight: CB Jabari Greer and RB/returner standout Darren Sproles.

— jaguarsinsider (@jaguarsinsider) August 17, 2012

Jaguars vs. Saints: Game Time, TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Injury Updates And More

Greer is out because of a hernia, while Sproles suffered a minor knee injury against the Patriots on Aug. 9.

Friday night's game is set to begin at approximately 8:00 p.m. ET. The Jaguars will be looking to improve their preseason record to 2-0.

For the latest on the Jacksonville Jaguars, be sure to check out Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Head over to SB Nation's NFL hub for even more NFL news. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video commentary.

Jaguars Vs. Saints: LB Nate Bussey Faces Former Team

New Jacksonville linebacker Nate Bussey is pretty familiar with the Jaguars' second preseason opponent. He was just a member of the New Orleans Saints a few days ago.

Bussey was released by the Saints earlier this week and signed by Jacksonville. He told Jacksonville.com's Vito Stellino he wants to show the Saints what they gave up.

"It’s amazing going back to a place I just left,’’ Bussey said. "I definitely have a chip on my shoulder knowing I got released. I want to prove to everybody I can play football. That’s all I want to do.’’

Bussey was a seventh-round pick last year by New Orleans. He was on the practice squad for most of the season before being activated for the Saints' two playoff games.

For the latest on the Jacksonville Jaguars, be sure to check out Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Head over to SB Nation's NFL hub for even more NFL news. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video commentary.

Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon Will Start Against Saints

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon signed his rookie contract only just recently. On Friday night he will make his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints. The current plan is to have Blackmon play about a half of the game against the Saints.

The only thing that could derail the plans of him playing a full half is if he tires. Since he did show up late to Jaguars training camp, the possibility is there that his conditioning is not up to snuff for playing at full power for an entire half. Head coach Mike Mularkey acknowledged that his conditioning could be a problem right now.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the topic turned to Blackmon's conditioning, with Mularkey saying although the rookie had clearly worked and studied during his holdout, like any player who missed part of training camp he was a bit behind in that area.

Regardless of this, Jaguars fans and quarterback Blaine Gabbert have to be happy to have Blackmon on the roster at last. His presence should help the team improve from having the worst pass offense in the NFL last season.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, be sure to visit Big Cat Country. New Orleans Saints news is over at Canal Street Chronicles, and all your NFL info is available at SB Nation's NFL page.

Jaguars vs. Saints: Game Time, TV Schedule, Injury Updates And More

The Jaguars and Saints go head-to-head in a preseason matchup in New Orleans on Friday. We have the schedule and broadcast information here.

Jaguars Vs. Saints Injury Report: Eugene Monroe Questionable

The Jacksonville Jaguars will enter their second game of the NFL preseason against the New Orleans Saints with a sizeable list of injury concerns, most notably (and recently) at left tackle. Eugene Monroe was carted off from practice on Wednesday after being hit in the head, and is being examined for a concussion. Head coach Mike Mularkey hasn't announced Monroe's availability vs. the Saints.

Corner Derek Cox left the Jags' first game against the Giants with a hamstring injury, and will be out against the Saints. Defensive tackle Austin Lane will not play, as he's out with a foot injury suffered early in camp. Backup center John Estes is still out after undergoing knee surgery that could end his entire season.

Also questionable for the Jaguars will be linebacker Daryl Smith (groin), left guard Will Rackley (ankle), guard Jason Spitz (foot) and tight end Zach Miller (pectoral).

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, be sure to visit Big Cat Country. New Orleans Saints news is over at Canal Street Chronicles, and all your NFL info is available at SB Nation's NFL page.

Jacksonville Jaguars Preseason: Jags Make Plans Around Maurice Jones-Drew Holdout

The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to face the New Orleans Saints for their second game of the 2012 NFL preseason, and there are plenty of questions the team needs to answer. SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country highlights a few of those questions, including when Maurice Jones-Drew might return, and where he might fit into things if/when he does. They quote head coach Mike Mularkey:

"I think it would be a disservice to put him in if he was not fully prepared. It would be a health risk to do that. If he's not prepared, it is not going to help us offensively and it's not going to help our team if he's not ready to go at full strength. I would never put our team in jeopardy of being in that position."

Special teams ace Montell Owens has pushed himself to that position, listed as the No. 2 running back on the latest depth chart, capping off his preseason performance against the New York Giants that saw him truck over a safety for a touchdown.

For details on those stories and more, as well as to voice your opinions on the Jaguars options, head over to Big Cat Country.

Stick with this StoryStream for more coverage of the Jaguars 2012 preseason. For all things Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

Eugene Monroe Injury: Jaguars LT Leave Practice After Blow To Head

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Eugene Monroe could miss a couple of days if an injury he sustained at practice on Wednesday turns out to be more serious than expected. After sustaining a blow to the head, Monroe could miss days if he sustained a concussion.

Eugene Monroe left midway thru practice after hit in head. Mularkey didn't think it was serious, but may miss days if in concussion program

— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) August 15, 2012

Head coach Mike Mularkey did address the media about Monroe's injury and whether or not he could play against the Saints on Friday.

He got hit in the head in an earlier period and we're just going to make sure he's fine. I don't think it's anything serious but we'll check it out. As far as I know he got hit and went in early.

If Monroe winds up in the concussion program, he will most likely miss the game on Friday.

Be sure to check out Big Cat Country for all your Jacksonville Jaguars news and info.New Orleans Saints updates are available at Canal Street Chronicles, and all your NFL news can be found at SB Nation's NFL page.

Jaguars Vs. Saints: Justin Blackmon To Play First Half, If He Doesn't Get Tired

Justin Blackmon's preseason schedule has been a little different than that of his Jacksonville Jaguars teammates -- having joined the team late due to a contract holdout, the first-round draft pick has been working on a much more aggressive schedule than the rest of the team's starters. Because of that, the rookie wide receiver could reportedly appear for less than two quarters in Friday's preseason matchup with the New Orleans Saints:

If Blackmon doesn't show fatigue, he could play entire first half Friday in New Orleans, per Mularkey. #Jaguars

— Paul Kuharsky (@espn_afcsouth) August 14, 2012

One half is the prescribed amount of time for starters to play Friday, per Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey. Blackmon has officially been a Jaguar for roughly eight days, ending his holdout on Aug. 6, 2012, and agreeing to terms.

Be sure to check out Big Cat Country for all your Jacksonville Jaguars news and info. New Orleans Saints updates are available at Canal Street Chronicles, and all your NFL news can be found at SB Nation's NFL page.

Jaguars Injury Update: Derek Cox, Jason Spitz To Miss Time

The Jacksonville Jaguars did not have a good weekend injury-wise, as the team revealed that both Derek Cox and Jason Spitz are going to miss varying degrees of time due to injuries to start the season.

Cornerback Derek Cox was injured during Friday's preseason opener against the New York Giants, and will miss "at least two games," according to head coach Mike Mularkey.

"Derek Cox is going to miss a couple games here," Mularkey said on Sunday. "At least two games. His hamstring."

As Alfie Crow notes over at Big Cat Country, Cox spent much of the 2011 season on injured reserve, so the Jaguars are likely going to be extra-cautious with their cornerback.

On the opposite side of the ball, Mularkey revealed that offensive guard Jason Spitz will miss 4-6 weeks because of a foot injury.

"He's going to be a little longer. He's probably in the six week," head coach Mike Mularkey said on Sunday. "I hate to give weeks because some players go ‘see you in four to six.' He's going to be out the rest of preseason, yes."

Hopefully for both the Jaguars and their fans, both players will recover closer to the short end of their respective timetables, as we inch closer to the start of the NFL's regular season.

For the latest Jaguars news, be sure to check out Big Cat Country.

Jaguars To Donate $250 For Touchdown Non-Celebrations

Justin Blackmon Practicing With Jaguars First Team Offense

Justin Blackmon signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, and it hasn't taken long for the Oklahoma State product to work his way up the depth chart. Blackmon is already practicing with the first team offense, as Jacksonville head coach Mike Mularkey wants Blackmon and quarterback Blaine Gabbert to work together as much as possible.

"I’m trying to get him reps, as many reps as we can with Blaine," head coach Mike Mularkey said after practice."He’s got to hear those plays and rep those plays as quickly and as fast as we can get him going."

Related: Roster Moves Show Jaguars Have Confidence In Receivers Group

Blackmon caught 121 passes for 1,522 yards and 18 touchdowns for Oklahoma State in 2011.

For the latest on the Jacksonville Jaguars, be sure to check out Big Cat Country as well as SB Nation Tampa Bay. For comprehensive coverage of the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Jaguars Vs. Saints Game Preview: Jacksonville Heads To New Orleans

The Jaguars hit the road to face New Orleans.