Geno Smith, the current quarterback for the New York Jets, has been selected as one of six team captains for the upcoming season. His teammates voted him into the leadership role, a distinction that Smith says he will wear with pride.
"I told those guys I’m going to wear that captain’s patch with pride because there are so many guys on this team who could’ve been easily voted captain," Smith said Tuesday. "For me, it just means that I’ve got to continue to do all the right things, lead in the right way and perform when it’s time to perform. Because again, I’m representing all the guys. When they voted for me and they put that captain’s patch on my jersey, it meant a lot to me and my family."
Other players voted as captains include right guard Joe Tippmann, linebacker Demario Davis, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, and return specialist Isaiah Williams. Notably, star receiver Garrett Wilson, who was a captain last season, was not among those selected this year.
Wilson responded to questions about not being named a captain with diplomacy. "I don’t know if upset is the word," Wilson stated. "It’s more like, man, we got a collection of guys that all warrant that label. … It goes without saying the value they bring to this team and what they mean to this team, as far as getting us ready to play, getting us ready to practice on a day-to-day basis. I’m happy to have those guys leading the charge. I’m always going to be there to play my role to the best of my ability, whatever that is."
In other team news, running back Breece Hall is reportedly making progress in his recovery from a right groin strain. Coach Aaron Glenn indicated there is a good chance Hall will play in the upcoming game against the Titans.
"He’s trending towards playing," Glenn said. Hall sustained the groin injury on Aug. 17 but was participating in position drills during practice on Tuesday. Glenn had previously stated that his No. 1 running back would practice this week.
Coach Glenn declined to name the starting kicker for the upcoming game. Bailey Grupe, who was signed off waivers from the Colts, is on the active roster, while Jason Sanders is on the practice squad. The Jets signed Grupe after Sanders missed an extra point and a 54-yard field goal attempt in the preseason finale.
"I said it before, I’m not going to panic about that situation. I think they’re both capable men," Glenn commented. "At the end of the day, we have to pick one guy that’s going to be our kicker."
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai is considered week to week with a foot injury, making his participation in Sunday's game unlikely, according to Glenn.