Geno Smith delivered a strong practice Tuesday in rebounding from two consecutive poor ones, and a source said that barring a setback, the rookie quarterback will start for the Jets on Saturday against the Giants.
In 11-on-11 work, Smith completed 11-of-12 passes, including a touchdown to Stephen Hill off a flea flicker. Smith took one sack but did not commit a turnover.
That, followed his previous two practices — last Wednesday’s four-interception effort (labeled “brutal” by coach Rex Ryan) and Monday’s 1-for-6 performance with an interception. Smith worked with the starting offense and part of his production came against the scout defense.
“He looked good [with his sprained right ankle]. I still don’t think he’s 100 percent, but I think he’s certainly getting closer to that,” Ryan said. “But I thought he had his moments where he really threw the ball well.”
Working with the second-team offense, Mark Sanchez completed 4-of-7 passes but overthrew an open Clyde Gates on a deep ball.
Ryan is still publicly undecided, saying, “I don’t want to get into the ifs, ands or whatever because we’re not there yet.” Ryan wouldn’t even commit to choosing a starter before the Jets’ final preseason game next Thursday.
“I don’t want to tie us down,” he said. “I certainly understand that generally those decisions happen before the fourth preseason game. I understand that’s normal protocol, but will our situation be that way? I don’t know. We’ll see.”
* Rookie cornerback Dee Milliner barely practiced, as he worked on the side with a trainer for part of the afternoon. Ryan said Milliner continues to battle calf soreness. Kyle Wilson will start for Milliner on Saturday if the rookie cannot play.
“I think that’s still it,” Ryan said. “It hasn’t been getting a whole lot better.”
* Fullback Lex Hilliard was injured during practice, and while Ryan was not sure of the specifics, he suggested it looked a bit like a dislocated right shoulder. … Ryan was asked about cornerback Antonio Cromartie taking part in limited reps. Said the coach, “He’s a guy that very rarely misses anything. Obviously something must have been bothering him, but what that is, I’m not real sure.” Cromartie, though, said he was “just resting a little bit.” Defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis (back) and linebacker Josh Mauga (back) did not practice. Running back Joe McKnight practiced without a red jersey, meaning he has been cleared for contact. … The Jets claimed center Scott Wedige off waivers from the Cardinals.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith at practice Tuesday. (Ron Antonelli)