Rookie QB has some trouble Hack-ing it
Slowly but surely, Christian Hackenberg is receiving more playing time in practice. But with increased action comes more opportunities for mistakes. And Monday was a great example of that for the rookie quarterback.
In five series, including a twominute drill, Hackenberg tossed two interceptions, both to cornerback Dee Milliner.
The first came on Hackenberg’s first series of the day. The secondround pick out of Penn State slung a throw to his right near the sideline that Milliner jumped in front of, tipped and collected for the pick.
Then, on the final play of practice, after a sluggish two-minute performance from his unit, Hackenberg unleashed a wild throw that sailed over the heads of his receivers and into the arms of Milliner.
“That’s part of the progression,” Todd Bowles said of Hackenberg’s added reps. “He started seeing them last week toward the end of the week in practice. So we’ve been giving him more reps in there as time goes by.”
Hackenberg wasn’t the only quarterback to struggle in Monday’s session, though. Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty also threw interceptions, both to rookie linebacker Darron Lee.
Hackenberg is unlikely to play against the Giants on Saturday, as it’s the Jets’ third preseason contest, which typically amounts to a dress rehearsal for the starters. That leaves just Week 4 at the Eagles.
INJURY REPORT
Rookie linebacker Jordan Jenkins, who the Jets drafted in the third round of the 2016 draft, left practice after hurting his calf . ...
Both receiver Kenbrell Thompkins and tight end Jace Amaro missed practice because of sore groins. Amaro was sidelined for the entire 2015 season because of a shoulder injury . ... Linebacker Erin Henderson (stinger) was limited to positional drills. Quincy Enunwa (concussion) and Dexter McDougle (hamstring) did not practice. Enunwa is up and walking, but remains in the league protocol . ... Matt Forte (hamstring) practiced fully, and should get some snaps Saturday . ... Ex-Jet CB Antonio Cromartie signed with the Colts.