FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- What we learned on Tuesday, Day 20 of New York Jets training camp:
1. They're hurting at tight end: With Jace Amaro (sprained shoulder) sidelined for perhaps the rest of the preseason, and with Steve Maneri (hamstring) still out, the Jets addressed their lack of depth by claiming Arthur Lynch on waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Lynch, a fifth-round picks of the Dolphins in 2014, spent his rookie year on injured reserve. He was released Monday by the Dolphins. He finished his career at Georgia with 56 catches for 908 yards and eight touchdowns. Right now, the only healthy tight ends on the roster are Jeff Cumberland, Kellen Davis and rookie free agent Wes Saxton. To make room for Lynch, they released punter Jacob Schum.
2. Clarity on Geno's timetable: Initially, the Jets said Geno Smith (broken jaw) would be sidelined six to 10 weeks. It's looking like it'll be at least eight weeks, based on Mike Maccagnan's comments. The general manager, addressing the Smith-IK Enemkpali fight for the first time, said he expects Smith to miss at least four regular-season games. Realizing their vulnerability at the quarterback position, the Jets moved to sign free agent Matt Flynn, whom they brought in last week for a physical exam. I have some thoughts on the move right here.
3. Good day for Fitz: This was Ryan Fitzpatrick's strongest day since taking over for Smith. His velocity seemed to be better than in previous days, perhaps because his stamina is improving. Remember, he missed most of the offseason as he recovered from a broken leg. In a red zone period, he threw back-to-back touchdown passes to Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. It was a welcome sight for the Jets, the league's worst red zone team in 2014. Look for Fitzpatrick, who played only one series (nine plays) in the preseason opener, to play roughly two quarters Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons.
4. Looking like Willie: Willie Colon has owned the right-guard competition since coming off the physically unable to perform list. Todd Bowles hasn't named him the opening-day starter, but it's easy to see where this is headed. As Bowles said, Colon "has been playing better than everybody else so far, so he gets the lion's share of the reps." Barring an upset, it'll be Colon at right guard for the third straight year, raising questions about Brian Winters, a former third-round pick. Winters has been unable to budge Colon from the spot.
5. Another no-go for Mo? Yep, it's sure looking that way. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (hamstring) missed yet another practice, meaning it's highly unlikely he will play against the Falcons. Unless he practices Wednesday, he'll miss his second straight game. Another injury concern is wide receiver Chris Owusu (concussion), who has a history of concussions. He has started light jogging and "his head is clearing up, but he's still a ways away," according to Bowles. That's too bad, because Owusu was having a nice camp before he got hurt in practice.
6. That Brandon Marshall, what a character: One day after defending Smith in national radio and TV interviews, Marshall was asked to explain why it took six days for him to offer his support, insisting the quarterback did nothing to trigger the incident with IK Enemkpali. Basically, Marshall said he didn't give his opinion earlier because he didn't trust the local media to handle his comments with care, presenting them in context. I beg to differ, naturally. A quick and strident defense of Smith wouldn't have been misconstrued and would've made an impact because of Marshall's stature in the league. He also performed a wonderful stutter-step when asked about his history of bad blood with newly-signed New York Giants safety Brandon Meriweather, whom he will face next week. Said Marshall: "Yeah, we do have a history. We're kind of from the same town. I'm kind of excited about this opportunity for him. He's an Orlando guy, and I always to see those guys do well."
Magical.