One of coach Jack Del Rio's first decisions with the Jacksonville Jaguars was drafting Byron Leftwich. One of his toughest was letting him go.
Del Rio and the Jaguars said Friday they are parting ways with Leftwich after four frustrating, injury-filled seasons. They hope to trade him but are resigned to releasing the former first-round draft pick.
"To make a decision this bold requires some strong conviction, and I have that," Del Rio said.
Del Rio also chose mobile backup David Garrard as his starter heading into next week's season opener against Tennessee, saying Garrard gives the team a better chance to win.
"Over the last five years, Byron was given every opportunity to lead this football team," Del Rio said. "We've gone through the entire offseason, training camp, preseason, and during that time, it became very apparent to me that David was the best choice for us, the best selection for us to lead this football team."
Harrison on 'Roids
New England Patriots strong safety Rodney Harrison will be suspended by the NFL for four games, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen, after admitting to federal investigators and to league officials that he used Human Growth Hormone.
Harrison had a hearing with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday, the sources said, and the Patriots could announce the suspension as early as Saturday, when all teams must reduce their rosters to the regular-season limit of 53 players.
