Cecil Shorts Could Get More Playing Time

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts III caught what looked like the game winning catch against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and just might have earned himself some more playing time.

"Just the time that he’s gotten the chance to play that he’s gotten, he really tries to make every opportunity the best it can be," Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey told reporters on Wednesday about Shorts' performance on Sunday.

"Jerry Sullivan has been a big influence on him. I think he takes coaching extremely well. He wants to do good and he’s made some big plays," Mularkey said. "He’s made some of those catches so when the ball’s been up he’s confident and so is the quarterback to throw it to him. That has a lot to do it. It’s that trust level."

Shorts ended the day with four receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown, which nearly equaled his entire stat line for the 2011 season. Shorts played just 14 offensive snaps against the Vikings, but was targeted with a pass seven times. Look for Shorts to get increased playing time going forward, especially if he's gaining the trust of quarterback Blaine Gabbert.