With quarterback Trevor Lawrence dealing with a sprained shoulder, the Jacksonville Jaguars went out and found some insurance on Tuesday, signing veteran Matt Barkley to their active roster from the New York Giants’ practice squad.
The 33-year-old Barkley was a fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2013 NFL draft. He quickly became a journeyman, making stops with 10 different teams over his 11-year career, including two stints with the Buffalo Bills.
Barkley spent time on the Giants’ active roster and reserve unit this season but has not appeared in any games.
Had the Giants needed to call on Barkley, head coach Brian Daboll insisted he would have been ready.
“Yeah, he’s prepared,” Daboll said in mid-November. “He stays here late; we’ll be with him as much as we have to. I think Shae (Tierney) and (Mike) Kafka do a good job with those guys. They spend a lot of time with them, you know. DeVito, obviously a young player, and Matt is new, so a lot of work in that area.”
The Giants ultimately went with undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito under center, but he was benched in Week 16 and replaced by veteran Tyrod Taylor.
The Giants could seek to add another quarterback to their practice squad but may opt to finish out the season with just Taylor and DeVito in tow (barring another injury).
