It’s week 3 of the New York Jets’ training camp—21 days. Receiver Brandon Marshall has been excused for a day or two, but he’ll play in tomorrow night’s game (Friday) against Washington in Landover, Md., just outside of the nation’s capital.
Nick Mangold had a rest day, well sort of. “Halfway, because we wanted to look at some guys,” said Head Coach Todd Bowles, discussing the practice of Mangold and his other centers.
Muhammad Wilkerson was up and running. “He’s got some ways to go before he gets in shape,” said Bowles.
He doesn’t seem worried that running back Matt Forte, who injured his hamstring before the start of camp, hasn’t begun participating in team drills.
“When he’s back, he’s back,” stated Bowles about Forte, who the Jets signed in the off season. “I don’t have a timetable for him. We understand the process we’re taking, and we’re fine with it.”
“I’m feeling good,” said Forte, who was drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bears in 2008. “I’m just progressing week by week.” Regarding team practices, he said, “I’ll be out there soon. I do individual drills, and then I do a lot of conditioning stuff to get back into football shape.”
Though it’s not a quarterback controversy, it is an issue.
The Jets have four. Geno Smith and Bryce Petty played out last Thursday’s first pre-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, after starter Ryan Fitzgerald got his reps. Both Smith and Petty in competition for that second spot made you wonder what they could do if they were QBing with receivers Marshall and Eric Decker.
“I’m in a quarterback competition with myself every time I go out there,” Petty said, totaling 7 for 14, 93 yards in the Jets’ 17-13 preseason victory.
Another positive threat in the Jets’ receiving core is Quincy Enunwa, who made two notable downfield plays thrown by Fitzpatrick. One a 26-yarder, the other for 43.
