Jaguars’ Leftwich opts for surgery

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich will have surgery Tuesday on his injured left ankle, possibly ending his season.

Leftwich missed three games before visiting renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., this week. He was told to rest the ankle, then return for a re-evaluation.

The Jaguars released a statement Saturday that said Leftwich has opted for surgery.

“We look forward to getting Byron back on the field, and this is the first step in that process,” coach Jack Del Rio said. “We will have a better idea of the length of his recovery time after the surgery. I know that Byron will work diligently to get back and rejoin his teammates as soon as possible.”

The Jags said Leftwich’s status will be updated following surgery.

Vanderjagt vents

An angry and frustrated Mike Vanderjagt wants to set the record straight on an episode that took place more than four years ago. The kicker had not been drinking before the TV interview in which he criticized the leadership skills of Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning and coach Tony Dungy.

“The facts are this,” Vanderjagt said Friday at the conclusion of Dallas’ practice. “I was completely sober at the time of the interview in Toronto.”

Vanderjagt spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Colts. After a 41-0 playoff loss to the New York Jets ended the Colts’ 2002 season, he went on Canadian TV and said Dungy and Manning lacked the intensity and emotion needed to lead the franchise.

Manning responded at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. He referred to Vanderjagt as the idiot kicker who got liquored up and ran his mouth.