Opening day starting side comes into focus ahead of the NFL season.
Geno Smith is all but assured of taking the snaps when the New York Jets open their NFL season when the tackle Tampa Bay on September 8.
Incumbent quarterback Mark Sanchez remains listed as day-to-day by the club after bruising his throwing shoulder in a pre-season clash.
However, coach Rex Ryan played his cards close to his chest regarding a final decision despite saying that while Sanchez has not taken part in training he is still a chance of lining up on day one.
“I guess it’s a possibility,” Ryan said.
“When we feel good about it, we’ll make that decision. Certainly we haven’t put a timetable on it as far as naming a starting quarterback. When we feel [good] about that decision as an organisation, we’ll make it.”
If Sanchez cannot make a startling recovery over the weekend, the job is likely to fall to Smith who has failed to impress to date in his rookie season.
Smith has taken just 69 snaps during the pre-season and against the New York Giants last start he three three interceptions and took an unnecessary. safety.
“He started out like gangbusters (in training camp) and, obviously, he had the ankle injury, so that set him back,” Ryan said of Smith.
“(He) got the game in against the Giants. Obviously, it was a very up and down performance. He had a good week of practice. We’ll see where he is from there.”
On paper the Jets’ best quarterback is number three man Matt Simms after throwing 33-44 for 285-yards in the pre-season.
However, he is not considered a real option for the first game of the season against the Bucs, as he has not spent enough time first-team offence.
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