The Jets’ quarterback competition is far from over, even as the regular season inches closer by the day, but Rex Ryan may finally have his starter for opening day.
Geno Smith is likely to start for the Jets in Week 1, according to ESPN. The rookie quarterback has been inconsistent this preseason, showing signs of poise and accuracy from the pocket but also throwing three interceptions and taking a safety during extended action against the Giants in the third preseason game . That same game was where incumbent starter Mark Sanchez suffered the shoulder injury that has sidelined him of late.
Sanchez has been out of action, missing all recent practices, since suffering a bruised joint in his throwing shoulder during the fourth quarter of the Jets’ preseason win. Sanchez is listed as day-to-day by the Jets’ staff, but he could miss a few weeks while recovering from the injury, which would allow Smith to start in the season opener against the Buccaneers.
Sanchez is expected to be reevaluated over the weekend, which should give Ryan and general manager Josh Idzik a better indication of his status for the season opener. Ryan is staying mum on the situation for now, though, trying to avoid giving any hint at who the starter could be.
“I guess it’s a possibility,” he 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 organization, we’ll make it.”
Even if Geno gets the start in Week 1, that doesn’t mean he’ll be the starter for the season. The Jets may have something of a revolving door at quarterback this season, and it will be no surprise if Smith, Sanchez and even second-year quarterback Matt Sims share reps at points this season.
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