Jets sign QB Quinn; Ryan coy on starter
Brady Quinn was signed by the New York Jets, who continue to shuffle their quarterback depth chart leading into the regular season.
Graham Harrell was released to make room for Quinn, who lost the backup quarterback competition in Seattle to Tarvaris Jackson and was released by the Seahawks on Saturday.
Quinn is likely to serve as rookie Geno Smith's backup for Sunday's opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Mark Sanchez not expected to play due to a right shoulder injury.
Sanchez did not practice Monday, but head coach Rex Ryan declined to discuss who will start against the Bucs.
"I just prefer to discuss the injury updates on Wednesday when we'll announce them then," Ryan said. "In a couple days, we'll see if (Sanchez) is able to practice."
Asked if Sanchez could wind up on injured reserve, Ryan did say, "That's not what we're looking at right now. That's not it."
Sanchez called himself day-to-day, and simply said, "I'm trying" when asked if he's aiming to start Sunday.
"There's nothing I can do about it. I just got to keep rehabbing and try to come back as soon as possible," Sanchez said about the possibility of losing the starting job due to injury.
Quinn, 28, spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, starting eight of the 10 games he appeared in and posting a 60.1 passer rating while throwing two touchdowns and eight interceptions. Prior to the 2011 season, Quinn worked out with current Jets quarterbacks coach David Lee.
A first-round pick by Cleveland in 2007, Quinn also spent 2010-11 with Denver. For his career, he has thrown 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, posting a 64.4 passer rating.
"I've got a lot of my plate," Quinn said. "I just got here late (Sunday) night and I'm still trying to get adjusted to everything."
Ryan was asked if Quinn's signing was an indication that Sanchez will be out for an extended period, or is no longer in the team's plans.
"(People are) looking into more than what it is, it was just an opportunity for us, as we feel, to get a good football player, and that's kind of where we are with it," said Ryan.
The Jets claimed Harrell off waivers from Green Bay last week and waived/injured Greg McElroy, who joined Cincinnati's practice squad. Ryan has praised the development of Matt Simms, but with Smith expected to start against the Bucs the Jets aren't likely to suit up two quarterbacks who haven't taken a single regular-season snap in the NFL.
--Wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who suffered a Lisfranc injury last Sept. 30, did "some work" Monday, according to Ryan.
"I've said all along that I hope he plays," Ryan said. "That's it. My opinion really doesn't matter. Until the doctors and trainers give you a thumbs up, yes he's ready to go or he's not. I can tell you that I hope he plays. I guarantee I hope he plays."
