Jets rookie quarterback Greg McElroy had a terrible ending to a strong first preseason.
McElroy left last night’s 24-14 loss to the Eagles in the second quarter with an injured right thumb which required surgery Friday morning.
It is not known how long he will be out, but the Jets are not likely to put him on season-ending injured reserve, a team spokesman said.
The injury happened when McElroy hit his hand on guard Matt Kroul’s helmet. McElroy said the thumb did not feel right, and he popped his thumb back into place.
“You know, it’s just so frustrating,” McElroy said. “We play a sport. In this game, injuries are a part of it. You never want to get too down because it can happen to anybody. I’ve been fortunate enough to remain relatively healthy throughout my career. At Alabama I was able to make 27 straight starts. Now, it seems like it’s catching up with me a little bit.”
The seventh-round pick has played a lot in the preseason because No. 2 quarterback Mark Brunell has missed all of the preseason games with injuries. McElroy has taken abuse behind the Jets’ backup line, but he has shown poise and looks like he could be a longtime backup for Mark Sanchez.
Brunell sat out last night’s game with a right calf injury, but was on the field during pregame throwing the ball. He looks like he will be back for the season opener on Sept. 11 with the Cowboys.
Drew Williy, who played after McElroy was hurt and threw a touchdown pass, was waived Friday, according to a source, leaving the Jets with two healthy quarterbacks for now.
Willy was the team’s fourth quarterback in camp, and the team plans to sign him to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
There are two quarterbacks familiar with the Jets system who may become available when teams trim their rosters to 53. Kellen Clemens, the team’s second-round draft pick in 2006, is on the bubble with the Redskins. Kevin O’Connell, who spent parts of the last two seasons with the Jets, is fighting for a spot with the Dolphins.
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Jets coach Rex Ryan said this week he needed to see more out of outside linebacker Aaron Maybin to make the team. Maybin stated his case last night with 1½ sacks, but Ryan still sounded lukewarm about the Bills’ bust. Ryan sounds high on Garrett McIntyre for the backup linebacker spot.
“I feel like I can definitely bring a different dimension to the pass rush of the team, but ultimately it’s up to the coaches where I fit in,” Maybin said.
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The Jets picked up cornerback Isaiah Trufant, who was waived by the Eagles, before the game. . . . Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine coached from the sidelines instead of the press box. Ryan said it was a one-time thing.
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Ryan said Sanchez called a series of plays, but “I don’t think he’s bragging about it.” . . . Punter T.J. Conley had an inconsistent night. He averaged 48.1 yards on eight punts. Kicker Nick Folk attempted one field goal, missing a 52-yard attempt at the end of the first half.