PHILADELPHIA — The Jets had to use one starter in the second half of last night’s game — John Conner.
It was strange to see the fullback in the game and sent up some red flags about his roster spot, especially after Rex Ryan gave a cryptic answer about Conner’s job security after the game.
But a source said the plan was not to use Conner, but tailback Joe McKnight went out with an injury and they had to move Terrance Ganaway, who had been at fullback, to tailback. That is when Conner came into the game.
Conner, the third-year player known as “The Terminator,” entered the game while the rest of the starters sat. When Ryan was asked about it after the game, he would not guarantee Conner’s roster spot.
“I don’t want to talk about anybody’s specific roster spot,” coach Rex Ryan said. “We’ll look at the tape and we’ll let you know [today when the rosters are cut].”
The Jets do not have another fullback on the roster after Josh Baker tore his ACL last week against the Panthers, so Conner’s spot seems assured.
“I’m just going out there and doing my best every day,” Conner said. “I’m not worried about the roster spot. I’m just trying to make myself better every day.”
* New Jets tackle Jason Smith arrived in New Jersey on Tuesday, was handed a playbook that afternoon and had one day of a crash course in the Jets offense before last night’s game.
Ryan said Wednesday that Smith, who they acquired from the Rams in a trade, would play about 10 plays in the game. Instead he got 38 snaps in the first half.
Smith gave an impressive performance. He did not allow any sacks and seemed to know where he was going on each play. He leaned on guard Vlad Ducasse for guidance on the plays.
The newest Jet looked like he enjoyed his new surroundings.
“Something I’ve been working on this whole preseason is learning to have fun playing the game of football again,” Smith said. “I know I kind of have had to re-teach myself that.”
* DT Marcus Dixon left the game late with a shoulder injury, but he said it was just a “stinger” and he would be fine.