Jets' Todd Bowles might play some of his starters in the preseason finale vs. Eagles
Andy Vasquez
NorthJersey
FLORHAM PARK — For many NFL coaches, the fourth game of the preseason is not a time to let the starters see the field.
Jets coach Todd Bowles is different.
Last year, he played newly-named starter Josh McCown and the starting offense on the first drive of the final preseason — after McCown had played only one drive the entire preseason before that.
And Bowles said there's a chance he'll play some starter on Thursday against the Eagles.
"I have a few people nicked up," Bowles said. "I'll pick and choose the guys I want to play, and I'll let them know about it, probably Wednesday. Everybody is expected to play, but I will keep some people out."
The fourth preseason game is typically reserved for the positional battles at the bottom of the roster. But Bowles said he's willing to let his starters play in the fourth game because it's a good chance for them to work on things against another team.
"If you feel like your guys haven't gelled yet," Bowles said. "Or certain guys need to play together with a few guys out, you kind of put them out there and let them play a little bit."
Bowles has yet to decide between Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater and Josh McCown as his starting quarterback, but he says he has a "good idea" of who will win the competition.
Bowles wouldn't say which quarterbacks will play in Philadelphia. And when asked if the quarterback that he was leaning toward making the starter would play, Bowles started laughing.
"You want me to answer that right?" Bowles said. "Come on now."
RB Isaiah Crowell, who missed the second preseason game after suffering a concussion in the first preseason game, sat out of practice on Monday. Bowles said Crowell is "just sore" and will be ready for the regular season.
NT Steve McLendon, who missed the first three preseason games and nearly all of training camp with a leg injury, has returned to practice — at least partially. Bowles wouldn't say what drills McClendon has participated in during the last two practices — now that training camp is over, full practice is no longer open to reporters.
Bowles said McLendon is in "a good spot" in his recovery.
"He's a making progress," Bowles said. "We're encouraged."
But Bowles stopped short of saying McLendon would be ready for Week 1 .
"We'll see," he said.
Email: vasqueza@northjersey.com