Jets outside linebacker Garrett McIntyre was one of the last players to make the team out of training camp. Now, he’s a starter.
McIntyre started his first NFL game last week against the Broncos and was part of a stout front seven that limited the Broncos’ rushing attack until the final drive.
For McIntyre, the opportunity has been a long time coming. He went to training camp with the Cardinals and Titans in 2006 but was cut before the season. McIntyre spent two years in the Arena League and two years in the Canadian League before catching on with the Jets this summer.
Initially, he was just a special-teams contributor, but his role increased two weeks ago against the Patriots, and he was inserted as a starter against the run-heavy Broncos. After Bryan Thomas tore his Achilles tendon in Week 4, the Jets have had a revolving door at outside linebacker.
“[It’s] kind of like camp all over again, knowing that you just have to wait for that one opportunity,” McIntyre said. “I guess that one opportunity was the Patriots game for me, where they actually had me in for more than one play and I got to show that I can play outside linebacker for this team and do my job.”
He must be doing something right. Coach Rex Ryan always refers to him as “Oh Canada,” referencing his time in the CFL, but yesterday he called McIntyre by his first name at practice.
“I haven’t heard that before,” McIntyre said.
* Running back LaDainian Tomlinson and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley suffered setbacks in their recovery from sprained MCLs. Ryan said the two players did some change of direction drills Monday and were sore yesterday. Neither player practiced.
Running back Shonn Greene (ribs), guard Matt Slauson (knee) and safety Brodney Pool (knee) returned to practice yesterday.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez was listed on the injury report with a neck problem but practiced. Sanchez said he hurt his neck in the game last week but is fine. … The Jets waived tight end Shawn Nelson because of an undisclosed non-football illness. He did not appear in a game after signing on Oct. 31. Nelson has a history of migraines. … Former Jets Curtis Martin, Bill Parcells and Steve Atwater are among the semifinalists for the Hall of Fame. … HBO announced it will broadcast a documentary on Joe Namath in January. … The Bills placed starting WR Donald Jones and CB Terence McGee on season-ending injured reserve. … NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told the Jets’ website that the team has expressed an interest in playing a game overseas.