Report: Harrell to join Jets; Simms to start preseason finale
With Mark Sanchez's status in doubt for the season opener and the quarterback position a question mark, the New York Jets added Graham Harrell to the mix late Tuesday night, according to multiple reports.
Harrell was cut by Green Bay earlier this week after the Packers decided to go with Vince Young as their backup quarterback. The 28-year-old Harrell went unclaimed on waivers Tuesday and the Jets signed him.
Sanchez is recovering from a bruised shoulder suffered in the fourth quarter of last week's 24-21 preseason victory over the New York Giants and will not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rookie Geno Smith has battled Sanchez for the starting job in training camp but has struggled and has been slowed by an ankle injury. The Jets will hold Smith out of the last preseason game mindful of what happened to Sanchez.
The Jets also have Greg McElroy and Matt Simms as backups. Simms will start Thursday against the Eagles in the last preseason tuneup, the New York Post reported Wednesday.
Harrell, 28, was with the Packers for the past three seasons and backed up Aaron Rodgers. The former Texas Tech quarterback threw only four passes last season but is familiar with the West Coast schemes that Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg runs.
