HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) - Jets quarterback Chad Pennington will start Sunday's game against the Houston Texans after sitting out the last three contests with a strained right rotator cuff.
Coach Herman Edwards made the move official Friday, though it comes as little surprise. Pennington was listed a questionable all week, but he practiced with the first-team offense and took the majority of snaps with the starters.
The biggest concern for Edwards was getting Pennington back into game-shape. Pennington has had no setbacks with his shoulder, and no pain or discomfort after three straight days of practice.
"I'm excited about playing with my teammates on Sunday," Pennington said in a statement. "I feel confident that I can help the team compete. My shoulder is no longer a concern."
Pennington got hurt Nov. 7 against Buffalo after a scramble. The Jets (8-3) went 2-1 without him, winning with backup Quincy Carter and staying in the playoff race. But the offense never got in a groove with Carter, scoring two touchdowns in the last two games.
Earlier in the week, Pennington said he wanted to help the offense get back on track.
"If we are going to make a playoff run, we have to play more consistently as an offense," Pennington said. "Most importantly, we have to score more points. Scoring less than 20 points a game is not going to allow us to win."
The move also should help the team for it stretch run. It seemed clear the Jets wanted Pennington back this week, because next Sunday they play at Pittsburgh. They close the season with home games against Seattle and New England, then at St. Louis.
Associated Press
Coach Herman Edwards made the move official Friday, though it comes as little surprise. Pennington was listed a questionable all week, but he practiced with the first-team offense and took the majority of snaps with the starters.
The biggest concern for Edwards was getting Pennington back into game-shape. Pennington has had no setbacks with his shoulder, and no pain or discomfort after three straight days of practice.
"I'm excited about playing with my teammates on Sunday," Pennington said in a statement. "I feel confident that I can help the team compete. My shoulder is no longer a concern."
Pennington got hurt Nov. 7 against Buffalo after a scramble. The Jets (8-3) went 2-1 without him, winning with backup Quincy Carter and staying in the playoff race. But the offense never got in a groove with Carter, scoring two touchdowns in the last two games.
Earlier in the week, Pennington said he wanted to help the offense get back on track.
"If we are going to make a playoff run, we have to play more consistently as an offense," Pennington said. "Most importantly, we have to score more points. Scoring less than 20 points a game is not going to allow us to win."
The move also should help the team for it stretch run. It seemed clear the Jets wanted Pennington back this week, because next Sunday they play at Pittsburgh. They close the season with home games against Seattle and New England, then at St. Louis.
Associated Press
