Jaguars bench Bortles, name Kessler starting QB vs. Colts

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced a quarterback change Monday, benching Blake Bortles and naming Cody Kessler the starter for Sunday's Week 13 game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Jaguars made the move after firing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and handing play-calling duties to Scott Milanovich earlier in the day.

Bortles, who signed a three-year, $54-million extension nine months ago after steering Jacksonville to the AFC Championship Game, is in the midst of a dismal campaign. He's thrown 13 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 11 starts, though his completion percentage and quarterback rating are both slightly above his career averages.

The Jaguars have lost seven straight games, dropping their record to 3-8.

Kessler, a third-year pro, went 21 of 30 for 156 yards with a touchdown, an interception, and a fumble in his only previous appearance this season.