NFL

McIntyre steps in for Jets with Coples out indefinitely

The ceiling has been lowered.

After Rex Ryan confirmed outside linebacker Quinton Coples’ ankle injury will sideline him “indefinitely,” the Jets coach said 28-year-old journeyman Garrett McIntyre will fill in as the starter while Antwan Barnes will see the majority of action on passing downs.

Coples, last year’s first round pick, who suffered what is believed to be a hairline fracture against the Jaguars on Saturday, will undergo what the Jets are calling a “medical procedure” today and could be sidelined longer than the original 3-4 week timetable.

“It’s really disappointing because [Coples] was really playing well for us and I think we all really saw that, but hopefully he’ll be back sooner than later,” Ryan said following yesterday’s practice. “With Garrett, I think he’s really earned that right. … His work ethic is phenomenal. In the time that I’ve seen him, he’s gotten much better.

“Garrett’s just a guy that’s smart, he knows the defense and you can plug him in a lot of different spots and he does a tremendous job. I’m expecting big things from him this year.”

McIntyre, who has started seven games in two seasons with the Jets, said he spoke briefly with Coples after the injury and said Coples was in “good spirits.”

McIntyre was as well.

Though he is not thrilled with how he got his opportunity, McIntyre was excited to be practicing with the starters yesterday and recorded a sack of Geno Smith. Last season, he played in all 16 games and recorded 35 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks.

Before joining the Jets in 2011, the California native went undrafted after playing at Fresno State and was cut by three different NFL teams before playing a game. He then spent time playing in the CFL and Arena Football League.

Oh, and there was the offseason he worked in construction pouring concrete, just in case he had to get a “regular job.”

“If anything, that’s what’s helped me over the years is being able to adjust to different situations,” McIntyre said. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s a great opportunity for me to show what I got. In this game, if you don’t take advantage of opportunities, you don’t play for very long.”

Barnes, 28, was signed by the Jets in March after spending the previous three seasons with the Chargers.

He had three sacks while playing in 11 games last season, but the pass-rushing specialist put up a career-high 11 sacks the previous year.

He originally entered the league with the Ravens and played two seasons under Ryan, who was the defensive coordinator.

“He’s willing to do anything for this team,” Ryan said. “I brought him in here to be a difference-maker as a pass rusher, and I think he can be in most situations.”