David

Garrard

The talented backup, who battled Crohn’s disease in the offseason, is well thought of around the league. Jacksonville hopes they don’t have to find out how good he really is.

No word on what that actually means, but the Jags are hopeful he’ll avoid surgery. He will not participate fully in this weekend’s minicamp. The Jags signing of Doug Johnson now makes more sense.

Hot damn those Jags backup QBs are wanted! Tampa Bay is the team mentioned most often, but a second-round pick seems awfully high for him. Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio says the team will keep Garrard as Byron Leftwich’s backup.

The intestinal surgery doesn’t cure the disease, but patients sometimes go 15 or 20 years without symptoms after the surgery. Garrard could return to the team by early August, meaning he’s likely to be the No. 3 QB behind Byron Leftwich and Doug Johnson.

Garrard is suffering from Crohn’s disease and some beleive he is in danger of being released.

The Raiders are casting a wide net in their search for quarterback help, but Garrard should be their top priority. The agent’s comment suggests that Garrard does indeed have interest in playing for the 4-2 Raiders.

In the words of Glazer, “take one name out of (the) search for (a quarterback).” The announcement goes a long way toward explaining Garrard’s recent coyness about a possible return. It also puts extra pressure on the Raiders to make a trade to upgrade Kyle Boller ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, as Garrard was easily the most attractive free agent candidate. Garrard should no longer be expected to take the field this season, making it quite possible he’s played his final NFL down at the age of 33.

Schefter notes that it doesn’t mean the Raiders will sign Garrard, “but it does confirm there is some level of interest.” Garrard is 33, has a balky back and has been out of football for six weeks. Still, he’s certainly a better option than Trent Edwards and a Carson Palmer trade remains highly unlikely. The Raiders are unlikely to roll with Kyle Boller the rest of the way, as evidenced by their apparent wide-ranging search. A Kyle Orton trade is possible as well.

Boller was brutal in a 28-0 shutout loss to the Chiefs in his one spot start last season. Beat writer Steve Corkran throws out David Garrard as a possibility, though it seems to be more of a guess than an inside scoop.

Garrard threw a perfect deep ball on a 62-yard touchdown pass to Chad Owens after subbing for Byron Leftwich. Leftwich finished the game 6-of-12 passing for 100 yards with a TD and an interception.