Gang not rushin’ Forte out: that’s ‘fake news’
The Jets’ roster purge during this rebuilding season evidently won’t include Matt Forte, despite rumblings that he could be the next veteran out the door. Forte said that a report that the Jets are gauging his market value in hopes of trading him is unfounded.
“Fake news,” the veteran running back said after the Jets’ 1610 preseason win over the Eagles Thursday night. “There’s nothing to even talk about. Fake news.”
The NFL Network report came from a reputable reporter, so it likely has legs. The Jets, like 31 other teams, make calls across the league to discuss players who might be available. Some folks on One Jets Drive, frankly, would probably prefer to unload Forte and his $4 BY MaNIsH MeHta & DaNIel POPPeR million guaranteed salary. It would be surprising, however, if any team would be willing to take on that salary for a 31-year-old running back.
Forte said that he was assured by “the man who makes the moves” (aka Mike Maccagnan) that he’s staying.
KONY ISLAND
Defensive lineman Kony Ealy, a Patriots castoff and one-time Super Bowl hero whom the Jets claimed off waivers this week, made his case to Todd Bowles Thursday night.
Midway through the second quarter, Ealy fooled backup Eagles offensive tackle Dillon Gordon with a smooth swim move, burst into the backfield and dropped quarterback Matt McGloin for a strip sack. The Jets recovered the fumble.
“Just being an athlete, man, allowing the defense to develop,” Ealy told the Daily News. “It opened up the opportunity for me to make a play, and that’s what I did.”
Ealy typically plays defensive end in a 4-3 front, but for the Jets Thursday night in Bowles’ scheme, he played 3-4 defensive end as opposed to outside linebacker.
Ealy said he “definitely” feels like he showed enough to be included in Gang Green’s final 53man roster. Cuts must be made by
AUSTIN’S A CATCH
Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins snared an impressive touchdown catch in the Jets’ victory Thursday night. On second-and-7 from the 12yard line, Christian Hackenberg lofted a throw to the back-right corner of the end zone. Seferian-Jenkins outjumped the defender and fell to the ground in bounds.
“I love the red zone,” Seferian-Jenkins said. “And I want the ball in the red zone.”
Thursday was the last time Seferian-Jenkins will see the field until Week 3, though. He’s suspended for the first two games of the season after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
GRAGG HITS SNAG
Tight end Chris Gragg suffered what Bowles believes is a fractured ankle in the second quarter Thursday. Gragg had a cast on his leg in the locker room after the game. Outside linebacker Corey Lemonier left the game with a foot injury. Tackle Ben Ijalana didn’t play because of knee soreness related to an offseason operation.
KICKIN’ INTO GEAR
The Jets’ kicker competition will be decided in the coming days. Both Ross Martin and Chandler Catanzaro received chances Thursday night. Catanzaro hit from 28 yards. Martin made both his kicks.
PETTY HELD BACK
Bryce Petty was held out of Thursday’s game because of a Grade 1 MCL sprain he suffered last week against the Giants. “I just didn’t like the way he looked in warmups,” Bowles said.