One day after New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan lauded him for a "great practice," rookie quarterback Geno Smith has received the nod to be the starting quarterback during the Jets' preseason game against the crosstown rival New York Giants on Saturday night.
The New York Daily News' Manish Mehta broke the story on Twitter, saying, "Barring a setback with his ankle in next few days, I'm told Geno Smith will start vs Giants on Saturday. #nyj"
The Jets' second-round draft pick has been engaged in a tight and highly publicized competition with veteran Mark Sanchez for the starting job. Smith, however, sustained an ankle injury in the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions that hobbled him and kept him from starting the Jets' second preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
On Wednesday, Ryan's comments about Smith's performance in practice were in sharp contrast from those a week earlier, in which the Jets head coach labeled his practice as "brutal."
Asked how Smith practiced on Wednesday, Ryan answered, "It wasn't brutal, that's for sure," according to profootballtalk.com.
"That was a great day," Ryan continued. "I don't know if that was his best day, because he's had a lot of good ones, but he had a great one today."
Smith had almost the same reaction to praise over his "great" practice as he did is "brutal" one.
"I wouldn't say it was my best day. I think, like I said, overall every single day I've been getting better. Whether it's been a good day or a bad day, it's about progression," Smith said, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Sanchez, meanwhile, told CBSSports.com he expects a decision soon from Ryan about the starting job for the regular season.
"I think we're coming down the stretch here, so I'm sure a decision will be made here soon. Other than that, I don't know," Sanchez said before adding: "I don't care," Sanchez said. "I really don't. I've competed my whole life and I'm ready to play."
Sanchez has had a solid preseason, except for two interceptions - one against the Jaguars in which he was intercepted in the red zone, and another on his first series of the preseason in which he threw an interception returned 14 yards for a touchdown.
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