NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

August 31, 2016

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 1

Petty, Hackenberg _ no Geno _ in Jets' preseason finale (Dennis Waszak) .............................................................. 1

Jets waived/injured safety Dion Bailey, 2 others (Dennis Waszak) ........................................................................... 3

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Geno Smith likely will be No. 2 QB for Jets (Kimberley Martin) ................................................................................ 3

Boomer Esiason: ‘Geno Smith should be out of here’ (Bob Glauber) ....................................................................... 4

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Jets' cuts get roster down to 75 (Andy Vasquez) ...................................................................................................... 5

Jets: Bryce Petty playing for his job (Andy Vasquez) ................................................................................................. 5

Jets notes: Brandon Marshall misses practice (Andy Vasquez) ................................................................................. 6

NEW YORK TIMES .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Jets, Looking for a ‘Hail Mary,’ Could Keep a Fourth Quarterback (Ben Shpigel)...................................................... 7

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................... 9

Geno Smith won't play in Jets' finale, meaning he's probably on safe ground (Rich Cimini) .................................. 10

Jets' Ryan Fitzpatrick adopts Bill Belichick mantra: On to Cincinnati (Rich Cimini) ................................................. 10

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Jets upstart LB beating the odds — just don’t call him a survivor (Mark Cannizzaro) ............................................ 11

Does something have to give with Jets’ WR glut? (Brian Costello) ......................................................................... 13

Bowles softly endorses No. 2 Geno as Jets’ QB picture clears (Brian Costello) ...................................................... 13

NJ ADVANCE ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Jets waive 3 more players to get roster to 75 (Darryl Slater) .................................................................................. 15

Brandon Marshall, David Harris still not practicing | Jets injury report (Connor Hughes) ...................................... 15

What could the Jets get for Geno Smith in a trade? (Connor Hughes) ................................................................... 16

Jets won't play Geno Smith in preseason finale at Eagles. What does it mean? (Darryl Slater) ............................. 17

Teddy Bridgewater knee injury: Would Jets trade Geno Smith to Vikings? (Darryl Slater) .................................... 18

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Geno Smith will not play in Jets’ preseason finale, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg to 'probably' split snaps (Daniel Popper) ....................................................................................................................................................... 19

TUESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................... 20

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Petty, Hackenberg _ no Geno _ in Jets' preseason finale (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press

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August 30, 2016

http://pro32.ap.org/article/petty-hackenberg-no-geno-jets-preseason-finale

NEW YORK (AP) — The two young guys will be under center for the New York Jets' preseason finale.

Coach Todd Bowles announced that "probably" both second-year quarterback Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg will play against Philadelphia on Thursday night, with backup Geno Smith sitting out.

Bowles had said on Monday that he wasn't sure if Smith would also play, but ultimately decided he wanted to give the inexperienced quarterbacks game action. Smith, a former starter for the Jets, is expected to back up Ryan Fitzpatrick for the second straight season.

"I'd like to see more of the other two guys," Bowles said during a conference call Tuesday. "Playing Geno would hinder that chance, so I wanted to see the other two guys play a full amount of time. This should be a perfect opportunity to do it."

The coach had not yet determined if both Petty, a fourth-rounder last year, and Hackenberg, a second-rounder this year, will each play a half.

"I'll try to even it out," Bowles said. "I want to see who is kind of running the ball more. I'd like to get them a couple of passes in, but I'll try to even it out as best I can."

The Jets have entertained the idea of going into the regular season with four quarterbacks on their roster, something that is not very common because of the restrictions of having only 53 players in the regular season.

But both Fitzpatrick and Smith are likely to become free agents after this season, and Petty and Hackenberg are considered projects who need some time to develop.

"All four are good football players," Bowles said. "We can keep all four. It's just a matter of battling with the other positions, so that's still up for grabs and we'll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out."

Petty was considered the likely odd-man out going into training camp, but he has had some good moments in camp and in the preseason. The former Baylor star has played in all three games, going 28 of 50 for 394 yards with two touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a score by the Giants last Saturday.

Hackenberg didn't play in the first two games, but had an up-and-down NFL debut against the Giants. He capped his first drive with a touchdown pass, but also threw an interception on a tipped toss that led to the go-ahead points in the Jets' 21-20 loss.

Because he's the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart, there's a chance Hackenberg might not play in a game again until next preseason. He's not thinking that way, though, especially when he sees fellow rookie Dak Prescott, a fourth-rounder, in line to start for the Cowboys after an injury to Tony Romo.

"You look at the situation down in Dallas right now, you're two snaps or three snaps away from playing," Hackenberg said. "For me, whatever happens, happens and it's out of my control, but I still need to stay in that mindset and mind frame where I'm preparing the best that I can each week."

NOTES: Bowles said there is no concern about WR Brandon Marshall's sore hip, which kept him out against the Giants. He also hasn't practiced since last week. ... Bowles acknowledged that the Jets could keep all three of their promising rookie wide receivers: seventh-rounder Charone Peake and undrafted Jalin Marshall and Robby Anderson. "I mean, it's possible," the coach said. "They've all had their flashes in

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games. It's possible." ... WR Quincy Enunwa was without his red no-contact jersey on during practice, so it appears he has fully recovered from a concussion.

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Jets waived/injured safety Dion Bailey, 2 others (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press August 30, 2016

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-waivedinjured-safety-dion-bailey-2-others

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have waived/injured safety Dion Bailey, running back Romar Morris and Jake Ceresna to cut their roster to the NFL's mandatory maximum of 75 players.

The moves Tuesday come two days after the Jets waived 11 others from the 90-man roster and placed wide receiver Devin Smith on reserve/physically unable to perform list. Teams must get down to 53 players by Saturday.

Bailey, who was dealing with an elbow injury, was claimed off waivers from Seattle last September and had a half-sack in five games with the Jets. He was signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

Morris injured his left shoulder in practice two weeks ago. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina in May after a tryout at Jets rookie camp.

Ceresna signed with the Jets in August after competing in Kansas City's minicamp. He played at SUNY Cortland, the home of New York's training camp from 2009-14.

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NEWSDAY

Geno Smith likely will be No. 2 QB for Jets (Kimberley Martin) Newsday August 30, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-likely-will-be-no-2-qb-for-jets-1.12244542

Jets coach Todd Bowles said on a Tuesday conference call that Geno Smith will sit out the preseason finale — a strong indication that he’s locked up the No. 2 quarterback job for the regular season.

Instead, it’ll “possibly” be backup quarterbacks Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg splitting time Thursday night against the Eagles.

Bowles isn’t sure whether they’ll each play a full half, “but I’ll try to even it out as best I can,” he said.

The news came a day after the coach told reporters that he might consider playing all three quarterbacks in Philly. But on Tuesday’s conference call, Bowles said he made the decision to sit Smith “probably after” Saturday’s preseason game against the Giants.

“I’d like to see more of the other two guys,” he said. “Playing Geno would hinder that chance, so I wanted to see the other two guys play a full amount of time. This should be a perfect opportunity to do it.”

Barring a trade (See: the Vikings), it appears Smith is primed to be Ryan Fitzpatrick’s backup for the foreseeable future.

The organization always has maintained it’s open to keeping four quarterbacks, a point Bowles reiterated on the call. “All four are good football players,” he said. “We can keep all four. It’s just a matter of battling

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with the other positions, so that’s still up for grabs. And we’ll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out.”

The Jets have until 4 p.m. Saturday to slash their roster from 75 to 53 players. If they choose not to keep four quarterbacks, Petty could be the odd man out. The former fourth-round pick has no regular-season game experience (2015 essentially was a red-shirt season for him), plus the Jets drafted Hackenberg in the second round a year after selecting Petty.

Though Bowles said “you’d like to” have roster cuts finished by Friday, that’s not always the case. “I’m not going to sit here and say we’ll get them all done on Friday.” he said. “There may be some on Saturday.”

Hackenberg made his preseason debut three days ago against the Giants, completing 6 of 16 passes for 105 yards. He capped an impressive first drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Robby Anderson, but he also threw an interception on a deflected pass with 2:34 to go in a 21-20 Giants win.

As for what he hopes to see from Hackenberg vs. the Eagles, Bowles said: “Just get some comfort level and command the offense and make less mistakes than he made the week before.”

Petty has seen action in all three preseason games, completing 28 of 50 passes for 394 yards, two touchdowns with one interception.

Notes & quotes: The Jets waived injured safety Dion Bailey (elbow), running back Romar Morris (shoulder) and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna (unknown injury) to get the roster down to 75 . . . .Cornerback Dexter McDougle (hamstring) is “still banged up” and unlikely to play Thursday, Bowles said. Receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (groin) will be a pregame decision, as will cornerback Dee Milliner (sore hamstring). If able, linebacker Bruce Carter (shoulder) will play. So will “all the young guys” like first-round linebacker Darron Lee . . . Asked if the Jets potentially could keep rookie receivers Jalin Marshall, Robby Anderson and Charone Peake, Bowles said: “I mean it’s possible. They’ve all had their flashes in games. It’s possible.”

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Boomer Esiason: ‘Geno Smith should be out of here’ (Bob Glauber) Newsday August 30, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/boomer-esiason-geno-smith-should-be-out-of-here-1.12243734

The Jets may take the unusual step of keeping four quarterbacks on the roster. But for Boomer Esiason, that’s one too many.

The odd man out, in the mind of the former NFL player-turned-CBS and WFAN broadcaster: Geno Smith.

“Geno Smith should be out of here,” Esiason said Tuesday at a CBS event at the network’s New York headquarters. “In its simplest form, like I said about Tim Tebow, the Jets should get rid of him. It’s a distraction they don’t need to deal with.”

Smith was drafted as the Jets’ quarterback of the future when he was taken in the second round in 2013 by then-general manager John Idzik. But he lost his starting job last August after being punched in the jaw by linebacker IK Enemkpali and was again yanked as the starter just before training camp this year when Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a one-year deal.

“Geno had a great off-season, when Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn’t around and [Smith] was the unquestioned leader of the team in OTAs,” Esiason said. “Then when Fitzpatrick came back, imagine if you’re Geno Smith. You’re watching the reaction of your teammates, who are saying, ‘The savior is back.’ Everybody’s

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happy. That’s pretty amazing psychological stuff, and I can’t imagine Geno Smith in that quarterback room is the happiest guy.

“I always say that a starting quarterback needs to have solid support around him, not only on the field of play with his other offensive players,” Esiason said. “But in the locker room and in the quarterback meeting room, you want to be in there with guys that are pulling in the same direction, not hoping for you to get hurt, or you to throw three interceptions so he can go home and tell his family he should be playing.”

Smith is not expected to play in Thursday’s preseason finale on Thursday in Philadelphia. Backups Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg instead will run the offense.

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THE RECORD

Jets' cuts get roster down to 75 (Andy Vasquez) The Record August 30, 2016

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-cuts-get-roster-down-to-75-1.1652146

It’s been a busy day for the Jets.

The team cut its roster to 75 this afternoon, as they waived/injured S Dion Bailey, DL Jake Ceresna and RB Romar Morris.

By the end of the week, 22 more players will be out of a job. The Jets must get to the regular season maximum 53-man roster by 4 p.m. Saturday. The Jets play their fourth and final game of the preseason on Thursday night in Philadelphia.

Coach Todd Bowles is expected to address the roster moves, and the status of his team, later this afternoon.

Early this morning, the Jets practiced in preparation for their preseason finale. Then, they headed into New York City for their kickoff luncheon.

Unsurprisingly, Linebacker David Harris (shoulder) and receiver Brandon Marshall (hip) weren’t on the practice field on Tuesday morning. Harris hurt himself in Saturday’s preseason game against the Giants, and Marshall sat that game out. Meanwhile, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson returned to the practice field after resting on Monday. None of them are expected to play Thursday against the Eagles, as the starters and other key players sit out the final preseason game.

Linebacker Jordan Jenkins (calf), cornerback Dee Milliner (hamstring) were among those in the rehab area -- and it’s unlikely they practiced. Bowles said Monday that Jenkins, who injured his calf last week in practice, likely won’t play Thursday.

Meanwhile, receiver Quincy Enunwa wasn’t wearing a non-contact red jersey on Tuesday -- another sign that he’s making progress from an Aug. 19 concussion against Washington.

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Jets: Bryce Petty playing for his job (Andy Vasquez) The Record August 31, 2016

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/petty-playing-for-his-job-1.1652395

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The Jets will put their two young quarterbacks on the field for Thursday’s preseason finale, but only one will be fighting for a roster spot.

Coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that his plan is to "probably" play only second-year quarterback Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg in Philadelphia. Geno Smith, who apparently has locked up the backup role, will sit.

"I’d like to see more of the other two guys," Bowles said during a Tuesday conference call. "Playing Geno would hinder that chance, so I wanted to see the other two guys play a full amount of time. This should be a perfect opportunity to do it."

No matter what Hackenberg does Thursday, his roster spot is secure. The Jets won’t cut a player they picked in the second round less than four months ago.

But Petty, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, is still fighting for a spot. The 25-year-old out of Baylor has been mostly impressive this preseason, completing 28 of 50 passes for 394 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

At the beginning of training camp, Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan said the team was open to keeping all four quarterbacks. It’s an unusual step for an NFL team with only 53 roster spots, because it could compromise depth.

But it could make sense for the Jets, because neither Fitzpatrick nor Smith is under contract next year.

Bowles said no decision has been made.

"All four are good football players," he said. "We can keep all four. It’s just a matter of battling with the other positions, so that’s still up for grabs and we’ll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out."

Those decisions must be made by Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline. Bowles made it clear that what happens during the preseason finale could tip the scales — at quarterback or any other position.

"We have tough decisions to make at a few spots," Bowles said. "It’ll be interesting to see who plays well."

Bowles and Jets management also will be closely watching the young receivers in the coming days. Undrafted rookies Robby Anderson and Jalin Marshall, and seventh-round pick Charone Peake have made good impressions this preseason.

Will it be enough to get all three on a unit that already includes Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Quincy Enunwa?

"I mean, it’s possible," Bowles said of keeping the three rookies. "They’ve all had their flashes in games. It’s possible."

Whatever happens, the suspense won’t last much longer. Bowles said he hopes to make most of the cuts Friday, but the process could drag into the hours before Saturday’s deadline.

It’s not the first time the Jets have had to make tough decisions this preseason. On Tuesday, they made the final three cuts to whittle down the roster to 75.

The Jets placed the waived/injured designation on safety Dion Bailey, defensive lineman Jack Ceresna and running back Romar Morris.

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Jets notes: Brandon Marshall misses practice (Andy Vasquez) The Record

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August 31, 2016

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-notes-brandon-marshall-misses-practice-1.1652401

Marshall sits

Receiver Brandon Marshall didn’t practice on Tuesday because of a lingering hip issue. But coach Todd Bowles said there isn’t any concern about Marshall’s injury.

Linebacker David Harris (shoulder bruise) also missed practice Tuesday.

Harris suffered the injury in Saturday’s preseason game against the Giants and it remains unclear if he’ll be ready for the Sept. 11 opener against Cincinnati.

Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson returned to the practice field after resting Monday. He appears on track to play Week 1 as he recovers from a broken leg suffered in January.

None of them is expected to play Thursday against the Eagles, as the starters and other key players sit out the final preseason game.

Injury updates

The Jets practiced early Tuesday before heading into New York City for their annual kickoff luncheon.

Cornerback Dee Milliner (hamstring), linebacker Jordan Jenkins (calf), wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (groin), cornerback Dexter McDougle (hamstring) and Josh Martin were in the rehab area with trainers. Linebacker Bruce Carter (shoulder) wasn’t at practice.

Bowles said McDougle likely won’t play Thursday, and Thompkins, Milliner and Carter would be game-time decisions Thursday.

Bowles said Monday that Jenkins, who injured his calf last week in practice, likely won’t play Thursday.

Receiver Quincy Enunwa wasn’t wearing a red non-contact jersey Tuesday — another sign that he’s making progress from the concussion he suffered Aug. 19 against Washington. Tight end Jace Amaro (groin) also practiced.

No Richardson

Defensive end Sheldon Richardson won’t play Thursday. He will also miss opening day with a one-game suspension.It stems from a July 2015 arrest in which police said he fled them and drove his Bentley up to 143 mph.He plead guilty to resisting arrest in January.

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NEW YORK TIMES

Jets, Looking for a ‘Hail Mary,’ Could Keep a Fourth Quarterback (Ben Shpigel) New York Times August 31, 2016

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/01/sports/football/jets-looking-for-a-hail-mary-could-keep-a-fourth-quarterback.html?ref=football&_r=0

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Eric Mangini worked as an assistant in New England in 2000, when the Patriots bucked convention in setting their roster: They kept four quarterbacks. Rather than try to sneak the fourth, a rookie sixth-round pick, through waivers to stash him on the practice squad, the Patriots devoted a spot for him.

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For Tom Brady.

New England’s decision, and conviction, factored into Mangini’s deliberation eight years later, when he coached the Jets. He did not know whether his third and fourth quarterbacks, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge, would develop into starters, but he wanted to give them a chance.

“Obviously, you’re not going to get another Brady, but if you hit, especially on a down-the-line guy, it’s a lottery ticket,” Mangini said. “I don’t think there’s a downside in investing in a position that handles the ball every snap.”

The Jets, still waiting to strike it rich at quarterback, have been discussing the merits of that viewpoint ever since selecting Christian Hackenberg, a project at the position, in the second round in April.

His arrival gave them three reserves — along with Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, a fourth-round pick in 2015 — behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, whom they expected to re-sign, and established the possibility that all four would be retained Saturday, when rosters are trimmed to the 53-man limit.

Doing so would hedge the Jets’ bets, allowing them to hang on to Smith, a credible backup, and to afford Petty, who is set to play in the preseason finale Thursday in Philadelphia along with Hackenberg, more time to develop.

Holding on to four quarterbacks is a rarity in the N.F.L., where specialization has increased the importance of every spot. According to ESPN Stats and Information, 15 of the league’s 32 teams began last season with two quarterbacks. Only six teams in the last 10 seasons have carried four into their first game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Before committing, those teams engaged in rigorous debate, weighing an indefinite sacrifice of depth against the potential for identifying talent at the sport’s most vital position.

Although no two quarterback situations are alike, the Jets’ current predicament echoes the quandary Mangini faced in 2008. He also had a veteran starter (Brett Favre), a recent second-round pick with starting experience (Kellen Clemens) and two young players with promise (Ratliff and Ainge).

Favre’s age (38 when the season began) made it imperative, Mangini said, to have multiple options for the future. One of those was Ainge, who stayed in no small part because of his knowledge of the offense. The Jets needed the rookie tight end Dustin Keller to contribute immediately, and Ainge served as a de facto player-coach, teaching him about hot routes, coverages and pressure packages.

Speaking by telephone, Ainge said that as a fan, he would wonder why a team would keep four quarterbacks when it had other areas to address.

“But then I’d look at it a step further and say, ‘Well, what is that guy doing to help the team?’” Ainge said. “I look back on what I did, and I helped Dustin a lot that first year. He might have caught the same amount of balls and scored the same amount of touchdowns, but I don’t know if he would have known as much about the offense and defense had that not been my job.”

Mangini said he countered the diminished flexibility by using Ainge and Ratliff at different positions on the scout team, from safety to receiver to running back.

Brian Griese said he remembered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers considering a similar tactic in 2008, using the rookie Josh Johnson on the kickoff team.

Until he was reminded, Griese did not remember that he was one of four quarterbacks on that team, though he said, laughing, that their position meetings at the Buccaneers’ old headquarters would spill into the hallway because there wasn’t enough space to contain them all.

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Griese said he did not concern himself with the roster machinations, whether Tampa Bay would keep Luke McCown in addition to Johnson, because he was so immersed in his own preparation.

“You try to be a mentor to the younger players, and if they’ve got questions or points of clarification, you take your time and help them through that,” Griese, now a college football analyst for ESPN, said in a telephone interview. “But if there’s another person, a young player, in the room, there’s more questions and coaching and clarification. There’s only so much time in the day.”

Kevin Patullo, the Jets’ quarterback coach, said last week that he had spent more time answering questions and explaining concepts, but that he did not consider it a detriment. Patullo praised the camaraderie among the four quarterbacks, which was what Brodie Croyle remembered from his 2009 season in Kansas City.

That and how when he wasn’t trying to make the Chiefs’ roster, he was wondering whether he would. He parsed every snap in practice for meaning.

“You know who’s leading, who’s not, who had a good day, who didn’t,” Croyle said in a telephone interview. “They might keep two. They might keep three. The most nerve-racking part wasn’t after they kept four. It was trying to figure out if they were going to.”

A similar anxiety penetrated Petty’s life after Fitzpatrick rejoined the Jets on the eve of training camp. “I’m stoked because I’ve been wanting him back,” Petty said in a recent interview, “but then when we found out how reps were going to go, I’m like, ‘Dang.’”

With a set number of snaps during practices and games, the offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said earlier in camp that determining how to divide them among quarterbacks preparing for the season and those who warrant evaluation was one of his greatest challenges.

Petty had been running the second-team offense before Fitzpatrick returned, and then he had fewer opportunities to show his value. Uncertainty gripped Petty during his first week of camp, and it affected his performance.

“It was just added pressure to try and make things happen,” Petty said. “I wanted to prove to them that they didn’t make a mistake drafting me. That was a lot of weight. I’m thinking about all this at the same time, and you can’t do what you’re expected to do out here while thinking about all that.”

For guidance, Petty turned to Fitzpatrick. They had a long conversation in early August, Petty said, and while praying later that night, he had a moment of clarity. The results since — 28 of 50 for 394 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, returned for a touchdown last week against the Giants — are encouraging, but Coach Todd Bowles said that no spots had been determined.

Working in Petty’s — and Smith’s — favor is the job security of Bowles and General Manager Mike Maccagnan, who can be patient with development at quarterback because they anticipate being able to oversee it for a while.

Mangini was fired after the 2008 season, when the Jets dealt Ratliff to Cleveland as part of a package to move up and draft Mark Sanchez. Resurfacing with the Browns, Mangini coached Ratliff another year. His philosophy endured.

“Everybody’s looking for quarterbacks, whether it’s starters or backups,” Mangini said. “And if you’ve got an extra one, that can translate into something very positive. You only have to be right once.”

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ESPN NEW YORK

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Geno Smith won't play in Jets' finale, meaning he's probably on safe ground (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York August 30, 2016

http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/62686/geno-smith-wont-play-in-jets-finale-meaning-hes-probably-on-safe-ground

On second thought, Geno Smith won't play in the New York Jets' final preseason game.

One day after suggesting he might use Smith as one of three quarterbacks against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jets coach Todd Bowles announced Tuesday it'll be Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg on Thursday night. It means Smith has secured the Jets' No. 2 quarterback job or perhaps they're keeping him in bubble wrap to increase his trade value -- if he has trade value.

If they've decided to make Smith the No. 2, it's a smart decision by Bowles to not play him. It makes no sense to expose your primary backup to potential injury in a game filled mostly with guys who will be unemployed by the end of the weekend.

Bowles said the injury factor was part of the decision, adding, "You want to take a look at the other two guys as well."

He also said: "We know what Geno is."

That can be taken two ways.

There's still some suspense surrounding the Jets' quarterback situation because everyone is wondering whether they'll keep four on the opening-day roster.

"All four are good football players," Bowles said. "We can keep all four. It's just a matter of battling with the other positions, so that's still up for grabs. We'll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out."

In other words, do they prefer a fourth quarterback over, say, a 10th offensive lineman? That means Thursday's game is huge for Petty, who could be the odd man out.

This doesn't mean Smith can't be traded. The quarterback landscape changed on Tuesday. The Minnesota Vikings could be in the market for a quarterback, considering Teddy Bridgewater's freak injury in practice on Tuesday. The severity of Bridgewater's injury isn't yet known, but the Vikings would be left with Shaun Hill if Bridgewater is sidelined.

Would the Vikings place a call to the Jets to inquire about Smith's availability? Things can change quickly in the NFL.

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Jets' Ryan Fitzpatrick adopts Bill Belichick mantra: On to Cincinnati (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York August 30, 2016

http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/62670/jets-ryan-fitzpatrick-adopts-belichick-mantra-hes-on-to-cincinnati

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Ryan Fitzpatrick is done with the preseason.

Repeat: DONE.

When the underwhelming performance by the offense was mentioned to him Monday, Fitzpatrick -- usually a man of many words -- went into Todd Bowles mode. He kept it short.

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"Yeah, there's not much concern about any of that," the New York Jets' quarterback said curtly.

He's right. Kind of.

It's dangerous to draw conclusions based on preseason games. You're talking to someone who saw Browning Nagle light it up in the 1992 preseason, only to unravel in the regular season. So, no, don't sweat the fact that the Jets' starting offense managed only two touchdowns in 10 possessions, including one TD drive that went only 30 yards.

Fitzpatrick wasn't particularly sharp -- 16-for-29, 183 yards, one touchdown, one turnover -- but he didn't have running back Matt Forte for two games, wide receiver Brandon Marshall for one and center Nick Mangold for one. But therein lies the issue:

The starters didn't get a lot of time together to build chemistry. In fact, the starting 11 wasn't intact for a single snap.

No big deal, according to Fitzpatrick.

"I think we’re ready to move on and get going for the regular season," he said. "Just to get everybody out there and have everybody healthy and going for the start of the season, I think that was goal No. 1. I think we’ll be there, So that’s important. But I’m excited to see what’s to come for us on offense."

The starting offense didn't suffer a single injury and that's the biggest positive from the preseason. I'm not trying to be snarky, I'm serious. Football is a game of attrition, and getting out of the preseason with no major bang-ups is important. Incumbent right tackle Breno Giacomini (back) still isn't practicing, resulting in a Ben Ijalana-Brent Qvale rotation, but that was a pre-camp injury.

Fitzpatrick won't play Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he's still involved in some game prep. At the same time, he's already watching tape of the Jets' first opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals.

"That's already underway," he said.

To quote Bill Belichick, he's on to Cincinnati.

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NEW YORK POST

Jets upstart LB beating the odds — just don’t call him a survivor (Mark Cannizzaro) New York Post August 30, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/08/30/jets-upstart-lb-beating-the-odds-just-dont-call-him-a-survivor/

When it was suggested to Jets linebacker Mike Catapano that the word “survivor’’ might best encapsulate his football career — which, in the span of just three years, already has included two season-ending injuries and a stunning release by the team that drafted him — he politely interrupted in mid-sentence.

“I think ‘fighter’ is better,’’ Catapano said. “ ‘Survivor’ sounds like you’re just trying to stay afloat. Fighting, that’s what I’m about. I just keep coming. Doesn’t matter what you throw at me, I just keep coming … like the movie, ‘The Terminator.’ ”

Catapano is not your cookie-cutter NFL player who entered the league drafted from a big college football program.

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He’s a local kid from Bayville on Long Island who played his high-school ball at Chaminade and grew up bleeding Jets green, idolizing Curtis Martin. He went to Princeton, not a football factory, and got drafted by the Chiefs in 2013.

During a phone call with The Post on Tuesday, Catapano’s father, Mike, recalled a day at the gym during his son’s sophomore year at Princeton when he tried to encourage his dreams, well aware players from Ivy League teams do not draw a lot of attention from NFL scouts.

“Mike, you just get on the field, and once you do that, I know you’re going to prove yourself,’’ the dad told his son.

“Dad, I’m not just going to make a camp, I’m going to get [freaking] drafted,’’ the son told his dad.

“Sometimes you have to set a goal that takes your breath away,’’ the elder Catapano said. “Once he puts something in his head and envisions it, he makes it happen.’’

Yet Catapano’s path to the NFL (and sticking once he got there) hardly has been a magic carpet ride. It has been littered with enough moments to make a lesser man question himself and quit.

“My story shows that it’s not all smooth sailing, that you’re going to have tons of adversity — injuries, things not working out the way you want,’’ Catapano said. “I don’t think anyone works as hard as I do.’’

Three years that have included one season-ending concussion (2014 in Kansas City), one release (in 2015 by the Chiefs) and a season-ending foot injury late last year with the Jets. Now, Catapano is considered a key piece to a Jets defense that ranked fourth in the NFL last season.

Catapano’s start in Saturday night’s preseason game against the Giants was a symbolic moment for him because it was against the Giants last Dec. 6 when he suffered a freak Lisfranc injury in his right foot and didn’t played again in 2015.

“Of course, there are always moments of fear, always moments of … ‘is this going to work out?’ ” Catapano said. “You’re going to feel afraid. Courage is fighting against it, not feeling that fear.

During those moments, I lean on my girlfriend Jenna [Redel], my parents [Mike and Barbara] and my sister, April. They are my rock.’’

Catapano and Redel met three years ago in Kansas City, where she is from and was a Chiefs cheerleader.

“I never recall a moment when he was at a low, because that’s just not who Mike is,’’ Redel said by phone. “He’s always confident in himself, always strong. But there were times when I could feel it even though it was not verbal.’’

Everyone close to Catapano is hoping the roadblocks are behind him, that he can stay healthy and carry on with the NFL career he always has wanted.

In the midst of a transition from defensive end to outside linebacker and down from 290 pounds to 270, Catapano is expected to start again in Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Eagles. Once the regular season begins, it looks like he will share time with rookie third-round pick Jordan Jenkins.

A date that looms large on the Catapano calendar is Sept. 25, when the Jets play at Kansas City.

But first things first for a player who takes nothing for granted: Thursday night’s preseason finale. And, if you know what’s good for you, don’t refer to the fourth preseason game as meaningless or garbage time.

“People that don’t think it’s important probably aren’t going to stay around too long,’’ Catapano said. “I go into every game the same way: Like it’s the last game I’ll ever play.’’

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Does something have to give with Jets’ WR glut? (Brian Costello) New York Post August 30, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/08/30/does-something-have-to-give-with-jets-wr-glut/

Perhaps the toughest roster decision the Jets have to make this weekend is at wide receiver.

The team has three rookies who have had strong training camps and preseasons — Charone Peake, Jalin Marshall and Robby Anderson. Can they keep all three?

“It’s possible,” coach Todd Bowles said. “They’ve all had their flashes in games. It’s possible.”

Teams must cut their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Saturday. General manager Mike Maccagnan and Bowles are going to have to strongly consider what to do at wide receiver. Beyond Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Quincy Enunwa, there are some big decisions to make.

Veteran Kenbrell Thompkins probably will make it, but he has been sidelined with a groin injury and won’t play on Thursday night against the Eagles in the preseason finale. Jeremy Ross is another veteran who could make the cut. He has been the team’s primary kick returner in the preseason.

But the Jets may not want to let any of these rookies go. Anderson, an undrafted free agent from Temple, has put up 203 receiving yards in the preseason, making enough plays to get the start last week against the Giants. Marshall, also undrafted out of Ohio State, has been impressive in practice and also can return kicks, bringing one back 84 yards in the preseason opener against Jacksonville. Peake was taken in the seventh round by the team out of Clemson. He scored a touchdown against the Jaguars.

“We’ve got tough decisions to make in a few spots,” Bowles said. “It will be interesting to see who plays well.”

WR Brandon Marshall did not practice again Tuesday. He has been dealing with a sore hip, a problem that caused him to miss the game Saturday against the Giants. Bowles said there is no concern about the injury, though.

LB David Harris (shoulder) did not practice again, but the team is hopeful he can play Week 1 against the Bengals.

Bowles said CB Dexter McDougle (hamstring) won’t play Thursday. CB Dee Milliner (hamstring) and LB Bruce Carter (shoulder) will be evaluated during warm-ups. … DL Sheldon Richardson will not play in the game. There was a thought that maybe the Jets would play him since he is suspended for the regular-season opener, but Bowles said he will watch from the sideline. … First-round pick LB Darron Lee will play.

The Jets reduced their roster to 75 by Tuesday’s deadline by waiving RB Romar Morris, DL Jake Ceresna and S Dion Bailey. All were waived with an injury designation, meaning they could revert to the team’s injured reserve on Wednesday or the team could let them go with an injury settlement.

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Bowles softly endorses No. 2 Geno as Jets’ QB picture clears (Brian Costello) New York Post August 30, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/08/30/bowles-softly-endorses-no-2-geno-as-jets-qb-picture-clears/

Geno Smith won’t have to worry about getting booed this week.

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Jets coach Todd Bowles said Smith will not play Thursday night in the preseason finale against the Eagles. The Jets will go with Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg. Starter Ryan Fitzpatrick also will get the night off.

The decision could be an indication Smith has secured the No. 2 quarterback job after getting pushed by Petty this summer. Smith has not been overly impressive, but he gives the Jets an experienced backup, having played 31 games in his career.

“We know what Geno is,” Bowles said.

There remains a possibility the Jets could trade Smith. The Vikings became the latest team in search of a quarterback Tuesday, when Teddy Bridgewater exited practice with what has been termed a “significant” knee injury.

It is hard to imagine a team surrendering much in a trade for Smith, who is 11-18 as an NFL starter.

It appears more and more likely the Jets will enter the season with four quarterbacks on their roster, an unorthodox move. Bowles was asked if he is leaning that way.

“I wasn’t leaning toward letting all four go at the start. I said there was a possibility we’d keep them,” Bowles said. “All four are good football players. We can keep all four. It’s just a matter of battling with the other positions. That’s still up for grabs. We’re going to have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out.”

Smith went 17-for-32 for 140 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the preseason. He was booed at both home games, showing what the fan base thinks of him.

Petty showed flashes against the Jaguars and Redskins but struggled last week against the Giants. It would be risky to go with Petty as the backup considering he never has played in a regular-season game and had so much to learn coming out of Baylor. The Jets could try placing Petty on the practice squad, but that would require exposing him to waivers, where he could get claimed by another team.

Bowles said he is not sure how much Petty and Hackenberg will play Thursday. He said he would like to have an even distribution of passing for both of them.

“I’d like to see more of the other two guys, so playing Geno would hinder that chance,” Bowles said. “I wanted to see the other two guys play a full amount of time, so this would be the perfect opportunity to do it.”

Hackenberg saw his first action of the preseason last week against the Giants. He led a touchdown drive on his first series but later threw an interception.

“It will be his second time playing, [I’d like to see him] just get some comfort level and command the offense and make less mistakes than he made the week before,” Bowles said.

Hackenberg’s roster spot is assured, but this could be the last time he plays until next year if everything goes according to plan for the Jets.

“I really don’t think you can look at it that way,” Hackenberg said. “Everyone thinks it’s cliché and everyone thinks it’s this billboard statement, but it’s very, very true — you look at the situation in Dallas right now — you’re two snaps, three snaps away from playing. For me, whatever happens, happens, and it’s out of my control, but I still need to stay in that mindset and that mind frame where I’m preparing the best I can each week.”

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NJ ADVANCE

Jets waive 3 more players to get roster to 75 (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media August 30, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/jets_waive_3_more_players_to_get_roster_to_75.html#incart_river_index

The Jets on Tuesday announced that they waived three players, trimming their roster to the required 75 players by Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline.

Tuesday's cut players: running back Romar Morris, defensive lineman Jake Ceresna, and safety Dion Bailey.

The Jets on Sunday cut 11 players and placed wide receiver Devin Smith on the physically unable to perform list, as they trimmed their roster from 90 to 78.

Tuesday's cuts got the Jets from 78 to 75. Their roster must be at 53 by 4 p.m. Saturday. The Jets play their preseason finale Thursday at the Eagles.

Morris (shoulder), Ceresna (unknown), Bailey (elbow) were all waived with injury designations, which means they will land on the Jets' injured reserve if they clear waivers, which all three should. The Jets can then keep them on IR, or completely release the player(s), with an injury settlement.

None of Tuesday's three cuts was surprising. The release of Bailey leaves undrafted rookie Doug Middleton, Ronald Martin, and Rontez Miles competing for two backup safety spots.

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Brandon Marshall, David Harris still not practicing | Jets injury report (Connor Hughes) NJ Advanced Media August 30, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/brandon_marshall_david_harris_still_not_practicing.html#incart_river_index

The Jets aren't exactly the healthiest team heading into their preseason finale against the Eagles.

Receiver Brandon Marshall (hip) and linebacker David Harris (shoulder) were among the players not on the practice field during the portion of practice option to the media on Tuesday. Marshall missed the Jets' third preseason game against the Giants on Saturday, and sat out practice on Monday.

Harris injured his shoulder making a tackle against the Giants late in the first half. He has a "bad bruise," according to head coach Todd Bowles. While Harris is expected to be back for the Jets' season opener against the Bengals in two weeks, not much is known about Marshall's injury. Marshall has had issues with his hip throughout his career.

Outside of Marshall and Harris, safety Dion Bailey (elbow) and linebacker Bruce Carter (shoulder) were also not at practice. Cornerback Dee Milliner (hamstring), linebacker Jordan Jenkins (calf), receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (groin), cornerback Dexter McDougle (hamstring) and linebacker Josh Martin (unknown) were in the rehab area doing light work with trainers.

Receiver Quincy Enunwa, who is working his way back from a concussion suffered against Washington, was on the practice field. He did not have a red non-contact jersey on, which would mean he has cleared the final step in the concussion protocol.

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Receiver Devin Smith (PUP list, knee) and right tackle Breno Giacomini (PUP list, back) were outside early, but then went inside. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (rest day Monday) and tight end Jace Amaro (groin) were back at practice.

Via conference call after practice, Bowles said McDougle will not play against the Eagles. Milliner, Thompkins and Carter will be game-time decisions.

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What could the Jets get for Geno Smith in a trade? (Connor Hughes) NJ Advance Media August 30, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/what_could_the_jets_get_for_geno_smith_in_a_trade.html#incart_river_index

Should the Jets trade Geno Smith?

Don't lie to yourself. You've likely thought it at some point or another.

The Jets have four quarterbacks on the roster, and in no way, shape or form is keeping four quarterbacks ideal. Some teams keep two. Most keep three. But four? Get out of here.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (the starter) and Christian Hackenberg (the presumed future) are roster locks. Bryce Petty is a project, but the only quarterback other than Hackenberg under contract for 2017. That could make Smith expendable.

The real question isn't should the Jets trade Smith, but would any team actually trade for Smith.

From a physical point of view, Smith has it all. He stands 6-3 and weighs 221 pounds, has a cannon for an arm and the ability to make any throw on the field. He's still young, too. Smith will turn 26 in October.

But mentally, Smith hasn't put it all together. He has struggled reading defenses and consistency has been arguably his biggest flaw. He's also a turnover machine. In 31 career games, Smith has turned the ball over 42 times.

Still, this is the NFL, where quarterbacks with talent are given a half dozen chances before teams finally give up. Smith's age and physical ability has to intrigue some team in the NFL, no? Maybe one like the Dallas Cowboys, who just lost starter Tony Romo for two months and are looking for a backup to rookie Dak Prescott?

NJ Advance Media talked to six league sources about Smith. We asked them to put their general manager hats on. If their team was in need of a backup quarterback, would Smith be an enticing option? If so, what would they give up to get him?

The consensus answer?

Not much.

Of those polled, just one source was willing to give up a pick higher than a conditional sixth-rounder. The source said if his hypothetical team were "incredibly needy," then "maybe" he'd part with a fifth-round pick. An extreme emphasis was put on the word "maybe."

Three league sources said a conditional seventh-round pick, which can become a sixth-rounder, was the most likely. Two said a sixth-round pick was "possible," but a long shot.

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The fact Smith is in the final year of his rookie contract played a major factor in the lack of compensation, multiple sources said. One source questioned Smith's ability to pick up an offense and contribute in such a short period of time.

Teams don't want to give up draft picks for a player they don't believe can play in 2016, and won't be with the team in 2017. It will take someone "desperate" to deal for Smith this summer, said one league source.

Smith has talent. There's no denying that. But he needs work, and there isn't much on film to show he's anywhere closed to a finished project. In the Jets' first three preseason games, Smith completed just 53 percent of his passes. He has thrown for 140 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.

So could the Jets trade Smith? Perhaps. But it doesn't look like they'll get much for him. And what they would get, for sure, is the unproven Petty as their backup — an uncertain proposition itself.

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Jets won't play Geno Smith in preseason finale at Eagles. What does it mean? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media August 30, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/jets_wont_play_geno_smith_in_preseason_finale_at_e.html#incart_river_index

Jets coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that backup quarterback Geno Smith won't play in Thursday's preseason finale at the Eagles.

Only Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg, third and fourth on the depth chart, "probably" will play, according to Bowles.

He isn't sure yet how the playing time will be divided between Petty and Hackenberg.

"I'll try to even it out best I can," Bowles said.

Bowles on Monday left open the possibility that Smith could play against the Eagles. But he said Tuesday that he made the decision to not play Smith after Saturday's Week 3 preseason game against the Giants.

It appears as though Smith has secured the Jets' No. 2 quarterback job, to no surprise. For all his flaws, he gives the Jets a game-tested backup, while Petty is a second-year pro who has never played in a regular season game.

Will the Jets keep four quarterbacks? Barring a last-minute trade of Smith (who now can't get hurt against the Eagles because he is sitting), Petty is the quarterback in question here. The Jets could cut him and attempt to stash him on their practice squad, or retain him on their 53-man active roster.

The Jets must make their final roster decisions by 4 p.m. Saturday.

Bowles on Tuesday said this about perhaps retaining four quarterbacks: "It's just a matter of battling with the other positions. So that's still up for grabs, and we'll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out."

In the Eagles game, Bowles said, "I'd like to see more of the other two guys, so playing Geno would hinder that chance. I wanted to see the other two guys play a full amount of time, so this would be the perfect opportunity to do it."

Hackenberg, whom the Jets drafted in Round 2, made his NFL debut against the Giants. He did some encouraging things, but also struggled.

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Against the Eagles, Bowles wants to see Hackenberg "get some comfort level and command the offense, and make less mistakes than he made the week before."

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Teddy Bridgewater knee injury: Would Jets trade Geno Smith to Vikings? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media August 31, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/teddy_bridgewater_knee_injury_would_jets_trade_gen.html#incart_river_index

By now, you've surely heard the news out of Minnesota, that Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater sustained a serious, season-ending knee injury during Tuesday's practice.

So what does this mean for the NFL's quarterback landscape? And in particular, what does it mean for the Jets, who currently have four quarterbacks on their roster, but might not keep four quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster?

Consider that the only other quarterbacks on Minnesota's roster Tuesday were 36-year-old backup Shaun Hill (now the starter) and undrafted rookie Joel Stave.

The Vikings also are re-signing Brad Sorensen, a veteran journeyman quarterback whom they just cut, according to multiple reports.

Would the Vikings be interested in trading for the Jets' Geno Smith, as a game-tested backup? And if so, what would they be willing to offer?

Oh, and there's this big question: Would the Jets even want to trade Smith?

Those now become interesting questions, in light of Bridgewater's injury, and the uncertainty behind him, with Hill, etc.

Consider this list of available quarterbacks:

Throw in Zach Mettenberger, who was just waived by the Chargers.

Not exactly an inspiring list for the Vikings to pick from. Then again, it's not like Smith has proven himself to be an elite starter.

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The Jets must decide, before Saturday's 4 p.m. final cut deadline, whether Smith or second-year pro Bryce Petty makes a better understudy to Ryan Fitzpatrick.

(Only Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg will play in Thursday's preseason finale at the Eagles. So Smith won't get injured, if the Jets want to trade him.)

It seems pretty clear — at least to us — that Smith is the preferable No. 2 option, since he is a game-tested player (albeit a flawed player), while Petty has never appeared in an NFL regular season game.

But if the Jets like enough of Petty's development, and get an enticing late-round draft pick offer for Smith, perhaps they'd move him. Remember, Smith will be a free agent after this season. Maybe the Jets can get something for him now.

The Jets could also opt to keep Smith, cut Petty, and attempt to stash Petty on their practice squad if he clears waivers. (This seems entirely possible.) Or the Jets could straight-up keep four quarterbacks on their 53-man active roster.

In the final analysis, it seems too risky to go with Petty and Hackenberg as the only backups to Fitzpatrick entering the regular season. So it appears likely that Smith sticks around as Fitzpatrick's backup, for a team built to win now — a group that needs a more reliable No. 2 quarterback than a guy as green as Petty.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Geno Smith will not play in Jets’ preseason finale, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg to 'probably' split snaps (Daniel Popper) New York Daily News August 30, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-won-play-jets-preseason-finale-article-1.2772093

Todd Bowles created a back-up quarterback controversy two weeks ago when he refused to designate the Jets' depth chart behind Ryan Fitzpatrick.

But now it appears the Gang Green head coach has settled the apparent position battle.

Bowles said Tuesday that Geno Smith will not play in Thursday's preseason finale at the Eagles, which means the West Virginia product has likely solidified his position as the No. 2 quarterback.

Second-year man Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg will "probably" split snaps under center in Philadelphia, Bowles said. Hackenberg made his NFL debut Saturday against the Giants. Bowles is "undecided" on how he will divide the playing time up between Hackenberg and Petty, but he stated, "I'll try to even it out as best I can."

"I'd like to see more of the other two guys, so playing Geno would hinder that chance," Bowles said in a conference call. "I want to see the other two guys play a full amount of time, so this will be a perfect opportunity to do it. We know what Geno is."

Smith was the first quarterback off the bench in Saturday's 21-20 preseason loss to the Giants, replacing Ryan Fitzpatrick late in the second quarter, an early signal of Bowles' thoughts on his QB depth chart. Bowles said he made the decision to sit Smith for Thursday after Saturday's game.

Now the conversation in Florham Park shifts to roster spots and whether the organization plans on keeping four quarterbacks, a rare occurrence in the league today.

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Bowles said Tuesday there is still a chance Fitzpatrick, Smith, Petty and Hackenberg all make the 53-man roster when final cuts are made Saturday.

"I wasn't leaning toward letting all four go when it started. I said there was a possibility that we might keep them," Bowles said. "All four are good football players. We can keep all four. It's just a matter of battling with the other positions, so that's still up for grabs and we'll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out."

Keeping an extra quarterback would take a player away from another Jets position group, possibly receiver or offensive line.

When asked if there is a scenario in which the Jets keep rookie wideouts Robby Anderson (UDFA out of Temple), Charone Peake (7th round out of Clemson) and Jalin Marshall (UDFA out of Ohio State), Bowles said, "It's possible"

"They've all had their flashes in games," the coach noted.

The four-quarterback rotation in camp and practices has already been tough on Hackenberg, who didn't play in the first two preseason contests and struggled to garner reps, especially early this month.

But in his first NFL action Saturday, the second-round pick out of Penn State showed some promise, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Anderson in the fourth quarter. He also threw an interception and finished 6 of 16 passing.

Being buried behind three other quarterbacks can't be easy. But Hackenberg is approaching the logjam with a positive mindset, and he referenced the Cowboys' situation as a prime example of why it's crucial to stay prepared.

Tony Romo injured his back in Dallas' preseason game last Thursday and will miss 6 to 10 weeks, moving rookie Dak Prescott into a starting role.

"I just know that I prepare every week the same as if I'm going to play because you never really know when that opportunity is going to come." Hackenberg said in a conference call Tuesday. "Everyone thinks it's cliché and everyone think it's this billboard statement, but it's very, very true…you're two snaps, three snaps away from playing."

Regardless of how he fares on Thursday, Hackenberg's job should be safe even if the Jets opt to only keep three quarterbacks.

Thursday's preseason game should go a long way toward determining which way the Jets go.

"We have tough decisions to make in a few spots," Bowles said. "It will be interesting to see who plays well."

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TUESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

NEW YORK YANKEES — Optioned RHP Kirby Yates to Pulaski (Appalachian). Recalled LHP Chasen Shreve from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (IL). Acquired OF Tito Polo and LHP Stephen Tarpley from Pittsburgh to complete the Aug. 1 trade for RHP Ivan Nova.

National League

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NEW YORK METS — Recalled RHP Logan Verrett from Las Vegas (PCL). Optioned RHP Rafael Montero to Binghamton (EL).

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Recalled INF Alen Hansen and selected LHP Kelvin Marte from Indianapolis (IL). Optioned RHP Jameson Taillon and LHP Steven Brault to Bristol (APPY). Designated LHP Kyle Lobstein for assignment.

BASKETBALL

DENVER NUGGETS — Traded F Joffrey Lauvergne to Oklahoma City for two 2017 second-round draft picks.

FOOTBALL

ARIZONA CARDINALS — Placed CB Elie Bouka on injured reserve. Waived/injured CB Alan Ball.

BUFFALO BILLS — Acquired LB Lerentee McCray from Green Bay for an undisclosed 2018 draft pick. Released LBs David Hawthorne and Eric Striker, LS Reid Ferguson, C Robert Kugler, WR Greg Little, TE Jimmay Mundine, DTs Alameda Ta'amu and Justin Zimmer and QB Austin Trainor. Waived/injured CB Jonathan Dowling, TE Chris Gragg and T Justin Renfrow. Placed WR Marcus Easley and LB Shaq Lawson on the reserve/PUP list. Placed WR Kolby Listenbee as reserve/non-football injury list. Placed LB Reggie Ragland as injured reserve.

CAROLINA PANTHERS — Waived/injured S Trenton Robinson and P Mike Scifres. Placed WR LaRon Byrd and DE Rakim Cox on injured reserve. Placed CB Leonard Johnson on the reserve/non-football injury list.

CHICAGO BEARS — Waived LB Jarrett Grace. Waived/injured LB Lamin Barrow. Placed LB Roy Robertson-Harris on reserve/non-football illness list. Placed OL Hroniss Grasu and QB Connor Shaw on injured reserve.

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Terminated the contract of WR Brandon Tate. Placed DT Brandon Thompson on the reserve/PUP list. Placed DT Andrew Billings on injured reserve. Waived/injured WR Mario Alford. Waived K Jonathan Brown from injured reserve.

CLEVELAND BROWNS — Signed P Michael Palardy. Waived DB Tim Scott.

DALLAS COWBOYS — Waived G Mike McQueen, WRs Richard Mullaney and Rodney Smith and C Dan Buchholz. Waived/injured DB Arjen Colquhoun and LB Henoc Muamba. Placed QB Kellen Moore on injured reserve. Placed TE James Hanna on the reserve/PUP list. Placed LB Jaylon Smith on the reserve/non-football injury list.

DETROIT LIONS — Placed WR Corey Fuller and TE Brandon Pettigrew on the reserve/PUP list. Waived CB Brandon McGee. Claimed LB Jayson DiManche off waivers from Cincinnati. Waived LB Dominique Tovell.

DENVER BRONCOS — Waived WR Bralon Addison and OT Kyle Roberts. Released P Britton Colquitt. Placed TE Garrett Graham on injured reserve.

GREEN BAY PACKERS — Released WR Harvey Binford and P Tim Masthay. Placed TE Kennard Backman, RB John Crockett, C Jacob Flores, TE Mitchell Henry and G Josh Walker on injured reserve. Claimed P Jacob Schum off waivers from Tampa Bay.

HOUSTON TEXANS — Waived DT Ra'Zahn Howard, WR Tevin Jones, LBs Ryan Langford and Carlos Thompson, WR Josh Lenz and Ts Matt Pierson and Arturo Uzdavinis. Waived/injured DE Jeoffrey Pagan, LB Gerald Rivers and CB Duke Thomas. Placed S Kurtis Drummond, K Ka'imi Fairbairn and C Nich Martin on injured reserve. Placed S Lonnie Ballentine on the reserve/PUP list.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Waived DE Bjoern Werner and TE Nic Jacobs. Placed S James Sample on injured reserve.

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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Placed LB Justin Houston on the PUP list. Placed LB Josh Mauga on injured reserve. Waived WR Mitch Mathews.

LOS ANGELES RAMS — Waived K Taylor Bertolet, TEs Benson Browne and Jake Stoneburner, DB Michael Caputo, DT Zach Colvin, OLs Brian Folkerts and Jordan Swindle, LB Darreon Herring, FB Zach Laskey, S Jordan Lomax, WRs Marquez North and David Richards, LS Jeff Overbaugh and QB Dylan Thompson. Activated T Rob Havenstein from the PUP list. Terminated the contract of DL Quinton Coples.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Placed DE Dion Jordan and LB Zach Vigil on the reserve non-football injury list.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Waived DE Theiren Cockran, Ts Sean Hickey and Austin Shepherd, TE Brian Leonhardt, DT Claudell Louis. WRs Marken Michel, Troy Stoudermire and Terrell Sinkfield, LB Terrance Plummer and QB Brad Sorensen. Released C John Sullivan. Waived/injured DT Scott Crichton and S Antone Exum, Jr. Placed G Mike Harris on the reserve/non-football illness list.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Released LB Ramon Humber, OL Keavon Milton and TE Steven Scheu. Placed RB Dion Lewis and T Sebastian Vollmer on the reserve/PUP list.

NEW YORK GIANTS — Waived WR Kadron Boone, DTs Greg Milhouse and Davon Coleman, LS Tyler Ott, RB Marshaun Coprich, DB Joe Powell, Ss Bennett Jackson and Cooper Taylor, DE Mike Rose, WR K.J. Maye, OL Shane McDermott and WR Myles White. Waived/injured TEs Matt LaCosse and Ryan Malleck and FB Nikita Whitlock. Placed OL Byron Stingily on injured reserve.

NEW YORK JETS — Waived/injured S Dion Bailey, RBs Romar Morris and Jake Ceresna.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Placed TE Ladarius Green on the PUP list.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — Placed RB Branden Oliver and G Donavon Clark on injured reserve. Waived/injured WR Javontee Herndon and Ts Zamir Carlis and Tyler Johnstone and RB Dreamius Smith. Waived QB Zach Mettenberger. Released WR James Jones. Received a roster exemption for DE Joey Bosa.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Waived/injured RB George Farmer, CB Trovon Reed, DE Josh Shirley and WR Kevin Smith. Waived RB Zac Brooks, LBs Quayshawn Nealy and Pete Robertson, G Kristjan Sokoli and C Patrick Lewis.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Waived/injured WR Donteea Dye. Waived OL Joel Hale. Placed WR receiver Louis Murphy and G J.R. Sweezy on the reserve/PUP list. Re-signed LB Jeremiah George and S Kimario McFadden.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Waived RB David Cobb and WR Jarrod West.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Released LB Perry Riley and DL Stephen Paea. Waived/injured WR Reggie Diggs. Placed TE Derek Carrier on the reserve/PUP list. Placed RB Keith Marshall in injured reserve.

HOCKEY

ARIZONA COYOTES — Named Jim Hammett, Rick Beckfeld and Sergei Juznetsov amateur scouts. Named Brett Stewart European player development coach, Brad Rossen director of statistical science and Al Ambrosia hockey operations coordinator.

CAROLINA HURRICANES — Signed general manager Ron Francis to a contract extension through the 2018-19 season.

DETROIT RED WINGS — Signed a two-year affiliation agreement with Toledo (ECHL).

COLLEGE

Daily Clips Cont.

23 | P a g e

AUBURN — Suspended DB Stephen Roberts from Saturday's opener against Clemson following his arrest on two misdemeanor charges.

FURMAN — Named Leo Mazzone special advisor to the baseball program.

HOFSTRA — Named Torin Varn women's assistant lacrosse coach.

GEORGIA TECH — Named Paul Griffin interim athletic director.

LEES-MCRAE — Named Garrett Feimster strength and conditioning coach.

OKLAHOMA — Named Lou Rosselli wrestling coach.

PURCHASE — Announced baseball coach Adam Taraska has been named intramurals and recreation coordinator.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE — Named Trevor Deloach men's assistant basketball coach.

TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY — Named David Claybrooks assistant track and field coach.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND — Announced the retirement of director of athletic publications Ken Cerino.

YALE — Named Erika Eipp women's assistant lacrosse coach.

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