Jets backup quarterback Mark Brunell took a few more first-team snaps in practice yesterday, but don’t count on seeing him in a game if Rex Ryan can help it.
A day after revealing he gave Brunell a bigger role in practice this week in an effort to motivate starter Mark Sanchez, the Jets coach said he has no plans of taking Sanchez out of a game, barring an injury — ever.
“This is our quarterback,” Ryan said. “That’s how I look at it. Whether it’s a veteran quarterback or whoever pushing him, I don’t see taking Mark Sanchez out of a game. I don’t see that. If we did put him out or pull him, would it be for a series? Maybe so, but I don’t see myself ever taking Mark out of a game.”
Ryan was not just referring to this year either. The question that drew that response was in reference to the Jets possibly bringing in a quarterback that is more of a threat to take playing time from Sanchez than Brunell in the future.
Last year, Ryan said he considered benching Sanchez during the Jets’ loss to the Dolphins in December. But now Ryan sounds as if he’s sticking with Sanchez no matter how poorly he plays.
“I’ll do what gives us the best opportunity to win games,” Ryan said. “I think that’s Mark Sanchez at quarterback.”
Ryan said jokingly that Sanchez took a “cheap shot” at him during practice yesterday.
“I think he was a little hot under the collar initially,” Ryan said. “Now I think [he knows] that I’m just trying to get him to just be that competitive guy. and [he’s like], ‘I’ll show you.’ That’s who he is. That’s who I am. He just has a lot more talent than I do.”
* Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), Bilal Powell (illness) and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (knee) missed practice yesterday.
Kerley expects to practice tomorrow and hopes to play. Tomlinson and Kerley suffered setbacks Monday as they try to recover from sprained MCLs. Tomlinson seems less likely to play. The veteran back was not on the field at all during the portion of practice open to the media. Kerley did some work with the trainers to the side.
Guard Matt Slauson (knee) and tight end Matthew Mulligan (hip) were limited in practice but are expected to play.
* If the Jets are without Tomlinson, that means a bigger role for Joe McKnight again this week. McKnight rushed for 59 yards on 16 carries against the Broncos and caught six passes for 62 yards.
Ryan said even if Tomlinson plays, McKnight may get more carries.
“I thought Joe played really well,” Ryan said. “Obviously, we made some great catches out of the backfield, which we know he’s capable of doing that. But I like the way he ran inside. Like I thought, he ran with some power inside, and those are good things to see from Joe.”