Geno Smith is back where his career started, and when he takes the field Sunday as the Jets quarterback, he will do so as one of six captains voted on by his teammates.
“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.”
The other captains are right guard Joe Tippmann, linebacker Demario Davis, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and return specialist Isaiah Williams.
It was a surprise that star receiver Garrett Wilson wasn’t one of them. He was a captain last season.
Wilson chose diplomacy when asked about not being named a captain.
“I don’t know if upset is the word,” Wilson said. “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.”
Running back Breece Hall is making progress from his right groin strain, and coach Aaron Glenn believes there is a good chance he will play Sunday against the Titans.
“He’s trending towards playing,” Glenn said.
Hall suffered a groin injury Aug. 17. He was in position drills in practice Tuesday after Glenn said his No. 1 running back would be practicing this week.
Glenn declined to name his starting kicker Tuesday. Bailey Grupe, signed off waivers from the Colts, is on the active roster, and Jason Sanders is on the practice squad. The Jets signed Grupe when Sanders struggled in the preseason finale, missing an extra point and a 54-yard field goal attempt.
“I said it before, I’m not going to panic about that situation. I think they’re both capable men,” Glenn said. “At the end of the day, we have to pick one guy that’s going to be our kicker.”
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai (foot) remains week to week, according to Glenn. It seems unlikely he will be ready Sunday.
