Jets QB battle not settled yet,

Competition continues between Sanchez, Smith

FLORHAM PARK, N. J. As far as Geno Smith is concerned, he’s still in the New York Jets’ quarterback competition.

“As long as I am given the opportunity to compete, I’m going to compete,” Smith said Monday. “We’re still in an open competition, and every single thing is going to be evaluated as it’s always been.”

The situation is cloudy, however, with presumed starter Mark Sanchez out indefinitely with an injured throwing shoulder and Smith apparently not ready to be an NFL starter.

Sanchez, who did not throw and rode an exercise bicycle Monday, is day- to- day and will not play in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was injured after being inserted in the fourth quarter of the Jets’ 24- 21 overtime win Saturday against the New York Giants.

Smith struggled early in the game with three interceptions and a safety.

Felton suspended:

Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl fullback Jerome Felton was suspended Monday for the first three games because of a substance abuse policy violation.

Two people with knowledge of the suspension told USA TODAY Sports it stemmed from Felton’s June 2012 suspicion of DUI, a charge that was pleaded down to reckless driving. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the situation.

Goodson’s status:

Jets running back Mike Goodson was suspended by the NFL for the first four games for violating its substance abuse policy. Goodson, signed as a free agent in the offseason, rejoined the team Monday after being away all of camp for personal reasons that the Jets declined to detail. Goodson played last season with the Oakland Raiders.

Replacement Tuel:

Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone said Monday that he was planning to start third- string quarterback Jeff Tuel in the season opener against the New England Patriots on Sept. 8.

Tuel was signed an undrafted free agent out of Washington State.

Veteran Kevin Kolb is out indefinitely after suffering a concussion against the Washington Redskins.

While Marrone remains hopeful rookie EJ Manuel could be ready for Week 1 after hurting his left knee and having what the team called a minor procedure, the Bills will practice as if Tuel will be the starter.

Tebow still employed:

The Patriots cut their roster to 77 players Monday and quarterback Tim Tebow remained for at least another day. Teams had to trim to 75 active players by 4 p. m. ET Tuesday.

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards ( Jets), safety Kenny Phillips ( Eagles) and wideout Donte’ Stallworth ( Redskins) were among players released Monday.

BRAD PENNER, USA TODAY SPORTS Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith threw three interceptions and was charged with a safety during Saturday’s preseason game.