Blaine Gabbert: Updates on Jaguars QB's Leg Injury

UPDATE: Monday, September 17 at 2:03 p.m. ET by Jessica Isner

It appears that Blaine Gabbert's injury isn't quite as devastating as some thought. On Monday afternoon, The Florida Times-Union's Gene Frenette tweeted the good news, courtesy of Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey:

"

Mularkey says Gabbert injury not so severe that he will miss time this week. He anticipates Gabbert will play vs. Colts

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) September 17, 2012"

"

Gabbert's injury more of his "butt muscle", not hamstring. Gabbert had MRI Sayswill be limited on Wednesday practice

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) September 17, 2012"

---End of Update---

Blaine Gabbert is out.

The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback suffered an injury in the fourth quarter of a losing effort against the Houston Texans. Down 27-7 with 7:20 left in the game, Chad Henne replaced Gabbert.

Tania Ganguli, Texans beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, reported he wouldn't return. She tweeted:

"

Blaine Gabbert has a leg injury and will not return to the game. #Jaguars #Texans

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) September 16, 2012"

Gabbert's day didn't just end on a down note. He attempted 19 passes on the afternoon and only completed seven for 53 yards and a touchdown. The second-year passer was also hit seven times, three of which were sacks.

Henne isn't the worst second-string QB in the NFL, but losing Gabbert for any lengthened period of time would be a major disappointment for the Jaguars. He actually looked competent vs. the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, passing for 260 yards and two touchdowns.

Not only could Gabbert prove he’s not a bona fide bust in 2012, but he could also kick start a long, successful relationship between him and rookie wideout Justin Blackmon.

An injury, though, would bring any momentum/chemistry building to a halt.

And that’s really all that the Jags had to play for this season. No one in their right mind actually believed they were a playoff contender. Already in a hole with an 0-2 record, no one in their right mind is changing that stance.

But despite that fact, Jacksonville still has plenty to play for—the future. That’s why it needs its future—Blaine Gabbert—in the ballgame.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels