Peninsula Daily News sports sources
RENTON — Tarvaris Jackson, picked up from Minnesota just last week and unable by NFL rules to practice with his new Seattle Seahawks teammates before Thursday, will be the starting quarterback, coach Pete Carroll said this morning.
Carroll, speaking following the Seahawks’ morning practice, declared Jackson the team’s starter out of necessity even though Charlie Whitehurst is the one taking first-team reps while rules prevent Jackson from participating, ESPN reported.
Carroll cited Jackson’s familiarity with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s offense from their days together in Minnesota as a critical factor under these unusual lockout-induced circumstances.
This announcement brings clarity to the quarterback position without Carroll making a long-term commitment. It also reinforces perceptions that Whitehurst hasn’t convinced the organization he’s ready to become more than insurance at the position.
Making a quick announcement on the quarterback situation prevents Whitehurst vs. Jackson from becoming an overriding storyline throughout camp, ESPN said.
