The Jets are keeping the Wildcat in the bag for the preseason.
Coach Rex Ryan confirmed yesterday what had long been suspected: The Jets will not run any of the specially-designed packages for Tim Tebow during their final two preseason games.
“It’s fine,” Tebow said. “We had a few live reps in practice, but I’ve ran that stuff before so I’ve had reps in my life at it.”
Ryan said starting quarterback Mark Sanchez will play into the third quarter in Sunday’s game against the Panthers and Tebow will finish the game. The Jets end the preseason against the Eagles on Thursday.
The Jets have been keeping their plans for Tebow top secret.
“Why give everyone a clue right now?” wide receiver Santonio Holmes said. “Leave them all guessing, show it on Sunday when it really counts and we’ll just punch them in the mouth from there.”
* Holmes practiced with a red no-contact jersey on again yesterday, but feels he will be ready to play Sunday. Holmes has yet to play in a preseason game because of rib and back injuries.
“I feel pretty confident that I can come back and play this week,” Holmes said.
Holmes injured his ribs on Aug. 4 in the team’s intrasquad scrimmage. He just returned to practice this week. He said it is important for him to get one preseason game in with the starting offense.
“I honestly think it would be to get the speed back up and get the feel of the game, try to get my wind back,” Holmes said.
* Running back Joe McKnight said the X-rays on his shins were negative. He said he’s dealing with the pain. He was limited in practice yesterday. … Safety LaRon Landry sat out team drills as the Jets try to manage his workload. … Tight end Jeff Cumberland (concussion) missed practice entirely. … Nose tackle Sione Po’uha (back) did some light running with the trainers. … Wide receivers Chaz Schilens (ankle) and Patrick Turner (ankle) worked with the trainers during practice. Turner did positional drills. Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) practiced fully and looks ready to go Sunday.