Skip to main content
Advertising

Roster Battles Extend Beyond Quarterback

Hackenberg Continues to See Workload Increase, Has Up and Down Day

MK2_0632-robby-top.jpg

Throughout his team's first 10 training camp practices, head coach Todd Bowles and his staff have continually rotated players in with the first units on both sides of the ball.

During Wednesday's workout, QB Christian Hackenberg opened up team drills with the starters and he got a long look while versatile OL Jonotthan Harrison worked in with the first-team. On the other side of the ball, veteran OLB Freddie Bishop has received a lot of run with the starting defense the past couple of practices.

"Harrison played alright early on, but until he plays in games, him and Wes (Johnson) are in a good battle at the center spot. We have some battles going at a bunch of competition spots," Bowles said. "Freddie has come on the past couple of days and it seems like whoever gets up there sprinkles themselves well. We've got a lot of decisions to make at outside 'backer as well."

Remaining mum on his QB rotation for Saturday's preseason opener vs. the Tennessee Titans, Bowles was asked about Hackenberg's eventful afternoon. The second-year passer showed great touch on a sideline toss to WR Robby Anderson for a chunk gain and he also connected with WR Frankie Hammond on a fade in the red zone for points. But Hackenberg was intercepted by S Rontez Miles and CB Dexter McDougle on passes intended for TE Eric Tomlinson and TE Jordan Leggett respectively.

"I mean it's practice, defense is going to have to get turnovers," Bowles said. "I would be concerned if they weren't. They got two today, but we're cleaning some things up and we're learning as we go. It's going to be up and down every day, so we'll just go from there."

The Jets Practiced in Full Pads on Wednesday

Hammond, a third-year pro from Florida also vying for a job as a return man, was on the receiving end of a rope from Bryce Petty for a long gain. While Hammond will fight for a roster spot, Anderson is in a different position as a player looking to build off an impressive rookie campaign. He has picked up the pace as camp has progressed.

"He caught some balls and there was some busted coverages and we are going to have to see which is which when we pull up the film," Bowles said.

Peake Expresses ConfidenceWith Quincy Enunwa getting a second opinion on the bulging disk in his neck, wideouts like Charone Peake will come more into focus. Peake, who had 19 receptions as a rookie, said the Jets need to have strength in numbers.

"We just all have to step up as a unit and just take advantage of the opportunity," he told reporters. "We really hate to see Quincy go down. That's one of our brothers. But all of us just have to step up and make up for it."

Speaking of numbers, Peake was asked if he thought there was a 1,000-yard receiver on the roster.

"There definitely is a 1,000-yard receiver. There could be more than one," he said. "There's a lot of good receivers in that room."

Just for KicksBoth placekickers connected on 5-of-6 kicks in their practice rounds and Chandler Cantanzaro split the uprights from 59 yards out. Cantanzaro rebounded from a tough performance his last time out while Ross Martin has been a little bit more consistent recently. Bowles declared the kicking competition as "close" and game performances will play heavy into the final decision.

MK2_0225-strahan-story.jpg

Et CeteraFormer Giants DE Michael Strahan attended practice and watched his former DL coach, Robert Nunn, put his position group through the paces. Strahan also exchanged greetings with Bowles and HOFer Kevin Greene… OLB Frank Beltre tweaked his groin Tuesday and was held out of team activities.  RBs Matt Forte (hamstring) and Bilal Powell (neck), WRs Gabe Marks (hamstring) and Deshon Foxx, S Shamarko Thomas and OLB Lorenzo Mauldin (back) all worked to the side with the strength staff.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

Advertising