NFL

Jets activate Garrard and release Quinn

The Jets’ quarterback carousel took another turn Monday with the team adding David Garrard to the 53-man roster and releasing Brady Quinn.

This move was expected after Garrard came out of a five-month retirement less than two weeks ago. The Jets had 12 days to evaluate him while he was on the exempt list before having to decide Monday whether to activate him or let him go.

Garrard’s biggest hurdle was health. The Jets originally signed Garrard in March to compete for the starting quarterback job. He retired in May when he could not keep his knee from swelling during spring workouts. A few weeks ago he got the itch to play and called Jets general manager John Idzik, who welcomed him back.

The Jets hope Garrard, the longtime Jaguars quarterback, will serve as a mentor to rookie Geno Smith. Garrard has not played in a regular-season game since 2010.

“I expect not to play him,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said on ESPN Radio. He also said Matt Simms will remain the No. 2 quarterback for now.

Quinn was signed by the Jets in September when it became clear Mark Sanchez would be out for a lengthy period of time. Quinn was not active for any games. Quinn reportedly will try out on Tuesday for the Rams, who are looking to replace an injured Sam Bradford.

Smith was asked if he thought he has a problem staring down receivers after throwing another interception in Sunday’s 30-27 overtime win over the Patriots.

“No, I don’t think so,” Smith said. “My coaches haven’t said anything about that. I don’t understand what specific instances you’re talking about. That’s something you have to look at the receiver to see if he is open. I don’t think I have that problem.”

Ryan explained why the Jets tried to run the ball on third-and-5 from the Patriots 36 in overtime instead of trying a throw or attempting the field goal. Chris Ivory was stuffed for a loss of two yards, making Nick Folk’s first field-goal attempt a 56-yarder.

Ryan said they were trying to get to the 35 for Folk.

“Instead of throwing the football, I was like, ‘Let’s pound it in there’,” Ryan said. “Maybe we’ll get it to the 33. Unfortunately we got hit for a loss. That’s why the attempt was as far back as it was. Again, we’re going to go for it. We’ve got all the confidence in the world in Nick Folk.”

Ryan said he believes rookie CB Dee Milliner will be fine after suffering “some different injuries” in Sunday’s game. Ryan sounded unsure whether WR Santonio Holmes will be able to play this week. Holmes has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. …. The Jets get another crack at winning two games in a row, something they have not done this season and did just once last year.