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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Blaine Gabbert has a starting job -- if hes healthy. Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley named Gabbert his starting quarterback Monday, the same day he announced the former Missouri standout will miss the rest of the preseason because of a broken thumb. Gabbert has a hairline fracture in his right thumb, an injury sustained during Saturday nights 37-13 exhibition loss to the New York Jets. Gabbert completed 13 of 16 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown in three series -- arguably his best showing in three years. He banged his hand on a defenders helmet during his final throw. Gabbert wont need surgery, but he will wear a protective brace while the bone heals. The Jaguars believe he should be able to return to practice in two weeks and be ready for the Sept. 8 opener against Kansas City. "Normally a break would require surgery or six to eight weeks," Bradley said. "Its not the same with this injury. They feel like in two weeks he should have a chance to come back and begin his prep for Kansas City." The Jaguars insisted all off-season that Gabbert and Chad Henne were competing for the starting job. But many outsiders believe the scenario was created to put extra pressure and strain on Gabbert, and see how he would respond. Although Gabbert struggled at times in practice and did little in the preseason opener, his performance Saturday night was enough to convince Jacksonvilles coaching staff that hes the guy. Bradley doesnt anticipate a quick change, either. "The reason why we took this length of time is so that we would have some conviction and to stay strong," said Bradley, who was part of Seattles staff that stuck with rookie Russell Wilson last season. "Russell, as the quarterback in the first couple of games, had to go through some learning and some growing, and that conviction was in place. I think it was really good for me to see how that entire process took place and the conviction and the support you need." Gabbert, the 10th overall pick in the 2011 draft, is coming off consecutive seasons in which Jacksonville had significant issues around him. He had no off-season as a rookie because of the NFL lockout, was thrown into the starting lineup in Week 3 and played with one of the worst receiving corps in the league. He was expected to show improvement last year, but he played behind a patchwork offensive line and with two young receivers in Cecil Shorts III and Justin Blackmon. Jacksonville also lost star running back Maurice Jones-Drew to a season-ending foot injury in October. Maybe the biggest difference this year is offensive co-ordinator Jedd Fischs scheme. Having worked in a spread offence in college, Gabbert seems more comfortable in Fischs system, which focuses on reading defences before the snap and making quick decisions and throws. "Its very quarterback-friendly and it puts a lot of responsibility on our shoulders because we do so much stuff at the line of scrimmage," Gabbert said. "It makes it fun for the quarterback to know that you have the ability to do some things." Gabbert has completed 54 per cent of his passes for 3,876 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, in two seasons. He is 5-19 as a starter. "Its a nice opportunity, but it doesnt end here," Gabbert said. "Gus always preaches competition every day and we compete against each other, but were still going to go out there and put your best foot forward regardless of the situation." Henne, who will start Saturdays preseason game against Philadelphia, handled the decision well. "From my standpoint, its disappointing," Henne said. "But Im going to be the same person. Im going to keep competing each and every day, try to better myself. Im behind this team 100 per cent. Im behind Blaine. Whatever I can do to help is what Im going to do." 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Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale was scratched from his start against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night and sent home after he destroyed collared throwback uniforms that the team was scheduled to wear.Matt Albers, who started in Sales place, confirmed the incident, but the White Sox provided no details after their game against Detroit was suspended by rain after eight innings tied at 3 -- the game will resume Sunday before the series finale.You probably know what happened, Albers said. But were going to keep it in-house.FanRag Sports first reported Sale was protesting the 1976 jerseys, which were navy and sported unusual collars. It was 91 degrees with high humidity when the game began.Sale then cut up an unknown number of jerseys before the game and was told to leave the stadium. Albers said he was informed about 2 hours before the game that he would start.Hes one of the best, absolutely, Albers said. But were here for teammates. Were here to pick each other up in good times and bad.With not enough usable 1976 jerseys available, the White Sox wore white throwback uniforms from the 1983 season.Its uncertain if Sale, 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA, will face further discipline.Im not going to get into that, manager Robin Ventura said. I just know hes not going to pitch tomorrow.The White Sox didnt announce Sale was scratched until less than a half hour before the scheduled first pitch.The incident, which was non-physical in nature, currently is under further investigation by the club, general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. The White Sox will have no additional comment until the investigation is completed.The White Sox marketing department touted the night as the Throwback Game. It announced the team would wear collared, blue and white V-neck jerseys that were sometimes worn with shorts in the 1976 season under offbeat owner Bill Veeck.The crowd booed when Albers was announced as the starter while the teams warmed up. He pitched two innings and the White Sox used six pitchers before the game was suspended following the third rain delay of the night.With the White Sox fading from playoff contention, Sales name has been mentioned as a possible trade target for contending teams.The left-hander, known for his competitive streak and rigorous training program, has been outspoken in the past.Sale was openly critical of team president Ken Williams during spring training when he said Drake LaRoche, the son of teammate Adam LaRoche, would no longer be allowedd in the clubhouse.ddddddddddddAdam LaRoche retired as a result, and Sale hung the LaRoches jerseys in his locker.The 27-year-old Sale was the 13th overall pick out of Florida Gulf Coast in 2010 and has been selected as an All-Star five times. He started for the American League in this months All-Star Game.Sale is 71-43 in his career and entered the day leading the majors with 133 innings pitched and three complete games.In his last outing Monday, Sale allowed one hit over eight shutout innings before closer David Robertson gave up four runs in the ninth in Chicagos loss to Seattle.The White Sox, who started 23-10, have dropped eight of nine games and are in fourth place in the AL Central, creating speculation that Sale and fellow lefty Jose Quintana could be dealt.I want to stay here, Quintana said before the game. I like it here, and I want to win here. And Im here. Im here for now.Sale has also said hed like to stay in Chicago. But Tigers GM Al Avila said before the game that many teams are looking for starting pitching.Yet there are not as many good starting pitchers available, Avila said. And the guys that may come available are going to come at a steep price.Hahn said Thursday the White Sox were mired in mediocrity and hinted at possible big roster changes.Youve just got to be professional and play baseball. Thats it, Frazier said of the trade discussion. Control what you can control, thats playing the game.TRAINERS ROOMTigers: LHP Daniel Norris (oblique) allowed five earned runs and five hits over 4 2/3 innings Saturday in a rehab start for Triple-A Toledo. GM Al Avila said if there are no setbacks hell join the team Monday in Boston. ... RHP Jordan Zimmermann (neck) is to start Sunday for Toledo. Avila said he might need a second rehab start. ... Avila suggested early August as a return date for RF J.D. Martinez (broken elbow).White Sox: RF Adam Eaton started a day after he had to leave the game after fouling a ball off his foot. ... 2B Brett Lawrie (hamstring) missed his second straight game, but isnt expected to go on the disabled list. His absence left only two bench players, DH Justin Morneau and C Omar Narvaez.UP NEXTTigers RHP Anibal Sanchez (5-11, 6.60 ERA) starts the series finale Sunday against White Sox LHP Jose Quintana (8-8, 3.13). Sanchez has allowed only one earned run in 16 1/3 innings at U.S. Cellular Field. ' ' '