Back to backup duty

McCown failed to complete his lone pass attempt in Sunday's 27-23 win over Buffalo.

Analysis: McCown presided over New York's second drive after Sam Darnold limped off to the locker room, but Darnold was able to reclaim his spot under center after that. As long as the rookie quarterback's foot injury doesn't flare up against the Texans in Week 15, McCown should remain relegated to a bench role.

Headed for backup role

McCown is slated to serve as the Jets' No. 2 quarterback Sunday against the Bills with Sam Darnold (foot) cleared to reclaim the starting role, a source told Brian Costello of the New York Post.

Analysis: Coach Todd Bowles declined to name a Week 14 starter at the conclusion of Friday's session, but there was never really any doubt it would be anyone other than Darnold after the rookie first-round pick practiced without restrictions this week. With Darnold's sprained right foot now behind him, he'll likely be under center for the final four games in attempt to carry some momentum into 2019, relegating McCown to backup duties. McCown was thoroughly uninspiring during his three-game run as…read more

Cleared for Week 14

McCown (back) practiced fully Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Bills, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Fellow quarterback Sam Darnold (foot) also practiced fully Friday for the third straight day and avoided an injury designation for the weekend, clearing the way for him to return from a three-game absence. Despite Darnold's lack of limitations and status as the team's franchise signal-caller, coach Todd Bowles wasn't ready to commit to the rookie starting Week 14 when he met with the media Friday, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Instead, Bowles said he would wait until Sunday to…read more

Limited practice

McCown (back) was limited at practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: In addition to the back issue, McCown also managed a thumb injury heading last week, but it didn't prevent him from making a third consecutive start in the team's 26-22 loss to the Titans. McCown's availability for Sunday's game against the Bills doesn't look to be in much peril, but he'll likely return to a backup role with rookie first-round pick Sam Darnold (foot) practicing Wednesday in full capacity. The Jets haven't officially named a starter for Week 14, but it would be a major surprise…read more

Kept out of end zone in loss

McCown completed 17 of 30 passing attempts for 128 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in Sunday's 26-22 loss to Tennessee. He also rushed once for three yards.

Analysis: The Jets made five field goals and scored on a pick-six, but the offense never could find the end zone. It wound up costing them as the Titans took their first lead of the day with just 36 seconds remaining and held on to win it. McCown would throw his interception on the next drive to seal it for the Titans. The 39-year-old has only thrown for more than 135 yards in just one of the three games he has started while Sam Darnold (foot) has been out and has just one touchdown over that time.…read more

Confirmed for Week 13 start

McCown will receive the start for Sunday's game against the Titans, sources tell Rich Cimini of ESPN.com.

Analysis: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first relayed Saturday that the Jets were leaning toward giving McCown a third straight start, as the team wasn't fully confident that top signal-caller Sam Darnold (foot) was 100 percent healthy. It's unclear if Darnold, who is listed as questionable for the contest, will dress as the backup quarterback ahead of Davis Webb or be included among the team's inactives, but more clarity on that front should come 90 minutes prior to the 4:05 p.m. EST kickoff. In any…read more

Trending toward another start

McCown is expected to serve as the Jets' starting quarterback Sunday against the Titans with Sam Darnold (foot) considered unlikely to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: After missing the Jets' last two games, Darnold practiced on a limited basis this week and was listed as questionable heading into Sunday. The rookie signal-caller plans to test his strained right foot out during a pregame workout, but unless Darnold looks healthier than anticipated, the Jets are preparing to go with McCown under center for a third straight game. McCown has been shaky through his first two outings with a 54.4 completion percentage, 5.2 yards per attempt and a 1:3 TD:INT and…read more

Ready for Sunday, but may not start

McCown (thumb/back) was a full participant in Friday's practice and won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Titans, Dennis Waszak Jr. of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Neither the thumb nor the back injury was viewed as a serious threat to McCown's Week 13 availability, even though he was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday. While he'll suit up Sunday, it's uncertain if McCown will draw a third straight start or retreat to the backup role. After missing the previous two games, top signal-caller Sam Darnold (foot) practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week and is listed as questionable, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Coach Todd…read more

Limited again Thursday

McCown (thumb/back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Analysis: McCown's reps were also restricted Wednesday, though it's generally expected that his limitations on back-to-back days were maintenance-related while he manages a cut on his right thumb along with the back issue. More so than his health, the veteran's fantasy outlook for the Jets' Week 13 matchup with the Titans hinges on the potential availability of Sam Darnold (foot) for the contest. Darnold, who has sat out the Jets' last two games, was also a limited practice participant Wednesday and…read more

Limited Wednesday

McCown was limited at practice Wednesday due to right thumb and back injuries, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

Analysis: While making his second consecutive start in the Week 12 loss to the Patriots, McCown suffered a cut on the thumb on his throwing hand. He also appears to have picked up a back injury along the way, but neither issue should impact his status for the Week 13 matchup with the Titans, despite his limitations in practice. Instead, McCown's fantasy utility this week will be directly tied to the health of Sam Darnold (foot), who was also a limited participant in practice after missing the previous…read more

Dealing with thumb injury

McCown suffered a thumb injury during Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Patriots, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.

Analysis: McCown has earned his first in-game reps of the season the last two contests for Sam Darnold, who is tending to a right foot strain. The veteran quarterback's play has been underwhelming, as evidenced by 54 percent passing, 5.2 yards per attempt and one touchdown versus three interceptions on 79 throws. While McCown doesn't expect the thumb issue to impact his practice reps, his status will be monitored to make sure he's available in case Darnold needs another week off.

Valiant effort in defeat

McCown completed 26 of 45 passes for 276 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Patriots. He also rushed three times for 25 yards.

Analysis: McCown showed a lot of heart, staying in the game despite suffering a laceration to a finger on his throwing hand on New York's opening drive. The 39-year-old quarterback gave his team a 7-0 lead with a 16-yard touchdown to Jermaine Kearse, and the game was actually tied 13-13 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter before the Patriots pulled away. McCown's time under center will last only as long as Sam Darnold's foot injury keeps the rookie out, so keep an eye out for updates as to…read more

Draws another start

With Sam Darnold (foot) ruled out, McCown will start at QB for the Jets on Sunday against the Patriots.

Analysis: Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets are hopeful that Darnold can return to action in Week 13 versus the Titans, but McCown will draw another start for the Jets on Sunday. The 39-year-old QB didn't get the job done in Week 10's 41-10 loss to the Bills, but he'll look to bounce back this weekend against a New England defense that has allowed 21 TDs and an average of 270.3 passing yards through 10 games. McCown is an option for those scrambling for QB help in Week 12, but he's far from a…read more

Awful in fill-in start

McCown completed 17 of 34 passes for 135 yards and two interceptions while rushing once for four yards in Sunday's 41-10 loss to the Bills.

Analysis: Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold wasn't the problem in New York's offense, which looked completely inept under McCown's veteran leadership. With four straight ugly losses heading into the Week 11 bye, the Jets might make changes to the coaching staff. Darnold should be back under center if his foot injury heals during the bye, but McCown would likely start again if Darnold remains out.

Announced as Week 10 starter

Coach Todd Bowles named McCown the Jets' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Bills, Eric Allen of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Sam Darnold was withheld from practice Thursday for the second straight day while battling a strained foot, prompting Bowles to rule him out for the starting nod. That paves the way for McCown to direct the offense for the first time in 2018, though the appointment will likely only be a short-term one, as Bowles reiterated that the struggling Darnold would reclaim the starting role once healthy, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The 39-year-old McCown was effective while serving as…read more

Likely to start Sunday against Buffalo

McCown is expected to fill in for the injured Sam Darnold (foot) as the Jets' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Bills, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.

Analysis: The Jets haven't officially ruled Darnold out, but all signs point in that direction after he was held out of practice Wednesday while sporting a walking boot on his right foot. With a Week 11 bye coming up, it makes sense for the team to take a cautious approach with the rookie No. 3 overall pick and give McCown at least one start. Given how poorly Darnold has been playing of late, the 39-year-old's presence under center probably improves the fantasy outlook for all of the Jets' pass catchers.

Set to back up Darnold

McCown will open the season as Sam Darnold's backup.

Analysis: This was pretty much assumed since the Jets traded Teddy Bridgewater to the Saints, but the assignment was confirmed Monday, when the Jets officially declared Darnold their starting QB to begin the coming season.

Plays four drives in preseason finale

McCown completed three of eight passes for 26 yards during Thursday's 10-9 preseason loss to Philadelphia in the preseason finale.

Analysis: McCown will serve as the backup to Sam Darnold with Teddy Bridgewater now in New Orleans, so the Jets opted to give the veteran some valuable reps here. While McCown failed to get much going during his four drives in this game, his success as the starter in 2017 suggests he should be able to hold his own if called upon this season.

Staying in New York

McCown is likely to remain with the Jets when the season begins after the team traded fellow quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to the Saints on Wednesday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

Analysis: Given their respective contracts and ages, Bridgewater was always the one with the higher likelihood to get moved. Though McCown served as the Jets' primary starting quarterback in 2017 and performed admirably, he's expected to open the season as the No. 2 quarterback with the team likely to turn the offense over to first-round draft pick Sam Darnold in light of the rookie's impressive training camp.

Healthy scratch again

McCown once again dressed but didn't play in Friday's 22-16 preseason loss to the Giants.

Analysis: As was the case in the previous game against Washington, the snaps under center were split between Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater. McCown appears destined to ride the pine behind one or both of those options once the games start to count.

Doesn't see field in second preseason game

McCown was in uniform for Thursday's 15-13 preseason loss to the Redskins, but he didn't see the field in the Week 2 preseason contest.

Analysis: McCown started the preseason opener and got one drive, but he stayed on the sidelines in this one as Sam Darnold played the first half and Teddy Bridgewater played the second. Coach Todd Bowles described the quarterback situation as "cloudy" after the game, but it certainly appears like the 39-year-old McCown has fallen into third place in the competition at the position with both Darnold and free-agent acquisition Bridgewater exceeding expectations. Week 3 of preseason is traditionally used as…read more

Gets one drive Friday

McCown played one series in Friday's preseason opener against Atlanta, completing his lone pass attempt for four yards while adding a one-yard scramble in the 17-0 win.

Analysis: McCown started but didn't see much action in this one, as the Jets wanted to get extended looks at newcomers Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold. Both of those guys displayed excellent accuracy while tossing a touchdown apiece, so New York's quarterback competition remains far from over. McCown's the frontrunner to start in Week 1 at this point, but he'll have to play well in future preseason contests to keep the job.

McCown (hand) will open training camp as the Jets' starting quarterback, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

Analysis: While McCown will begin camp as the team's starter, coach Todd Bowles also made sure to note that it remains to be seen what happens at the end of camp. Rookie Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater (knee) will surely be eyeing an opportunity at the starting job. McCown is the incumbent and has experience on his side, but his two younger counterparts should have more upside in the long run.

McCown (hand) intends to help with Sam Darnold's development while also competing against the rookie for the starting job, Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News reports.

Analysis: McCown figures to take the first snap with the starting offense when training camp begins, but Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater also figure to get their fair share of opportunities. McCown and Bridgewater probably knew what they were signing up for, as the Jets never bothered to hide their intention of drafting a quarterback in the first round. McCown likely has made a full recovery from the broken left hand that brought his 2017 campaign to an early end.

McCown (hand) will enter training camp as the starting quarterback, but Jets coach Todd Bowles suggested the 38-year-old will need to fend off competition, Calvin Watkins of Newsday reports. "Josh will go into it as the starter, and by the end of training camp, we'll see who the starter is," Bowles said.

Analysis: In addition to re-signing McCown, the Jets added Teddy Bridgewater and traded up for the No. 3 pick in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. Even if Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg are non-factors, the team could be headed for a three-way camp battle to determine the Week 1 starter. There doesn't seem to be much concern regarding the broken left hand that ended McCown's 2017 campaign, as the Jets signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract that includes a $5 million signing bonus,…read more

Re-ups in New York

The Jets re-signed McCown (hand) on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Prior to sustaining a broken left hand Week 14, McCown provided a steady hand under center for the Jets, averaging 240 yards per game and recording 18 touchdowns versus eight interceptions over the first 12 contests of the 2017 campaign. With another one-year contract in his back pocket, the 38-year-old will continue to serve as a bridge quarterback to Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg or whoever the Jets select in the upcoming draft.

The hand injury that ended McCown's 2017 season is "healing up," and the veteran QB indicated that he is just a "few weeks away" from being 100 percent, NJ.com reports.

Analysis: The 38-year-old signal caller is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but he's leaning toward playing again in 2018, and if so would prefer to return to the Jets. Per the report, GM Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles have both said they'd like McCown back next season, and a reunion makes sense, given that the team seems likely to draft its QB-of-the-future in April. In such a scenario, McCown would be an ideal mentor/bridge starter for the team.

McCown (hand) could return to the Jets for the 2018 season, NorthJersey.com reports.

Analysis: McCown's success with the Jets was one of the surprises of the year, as he completed 267 of 397 passes for 2,926 passes and 18 touchdowns before suffering a season-ending broken hand in Week 13 against the Broncos. Backup Bryce Petty, who took over the starting job when McCown went down, is unlikely to return next season, and with the Jets potentially out of range to select a quarterback with their first-round pick in the draft, McCown could return for another stopgap season.

McCown underwent surgery Tuesday to repair his fractured left hand, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Analysis: The 38-year-old was placed on injured reserve the same day, ending what had been a surprisingly strong season for the well-traveled quarterback. Bryce Petty will start for the Jets in Sunday's game against the Saints and is expected to remain the team's top signal caller the rest of the way. Set to become a free agent this offseason, McCown's age will likely force him to settle for a one-year deal if he opts to keep his career going.

The Jets placed McCown (hand) on injured reserve Tuesday, Ethan Greenberg of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Once surgery was ordered up on his broken left hand, McCown was destined to land on IR. Due to his exploits this season, the Jets sit just two games out of a playoff spot at 5-8. That said, McCown's replacement, Bryce Petty, will be hard-pressed to complete such a journey. An upcoming unrestricted free agent, McCown likely earned enough clout with the organization to get another chance to serve as the bridge to a quarterback of the future.

Season over

Head coach Todd Bowles said Monday that McCown will have a season-ending procedure on his left hand, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: McCown's outlook didn't look sunny when he took the podium after Sunday's game at Denver with a cast on the hand. Prior to the injury, he put on a dreadful performance, completing six of 12 passes for 46 yards and one interception while losing a fumble. Overall, though, he had a fair campaign, with a completion percentage of 67.3 percent, 2,926 yards and an 18:9 TD:INT in 13 games. With placement on injured reserve imminent, McCown will be replaced by 2015 fifth-round pick Bryce Petty, who will…read more

Likely out for year

Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse sounded resigned to not having McCown (hand) for the rest of the season, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com.

Analysis: Kearse was talking up backup Bryce Petty during a Monday conference call, saying the backup QB brings a high energy level and has the ability to extend plays. McCown was diagnosed with a broken left hand after exiting Sunday's 23-0 loss to the Broncos, but Jets head coach Todd Bowles left the door open for the 38-year-old quarterback to play through the injury in the closing weeks of the season. It already seemed like an unlikely proposition, and Kearse's comments provide another hint McCown…read more

Suffers broken left hand

McCown suffered a broken left (non-throwing) hand in Sunday's loss to the Broncos, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coming off a huge outing the previous week, McCown completed six of 12 passes for 46 yards -- with an interception and a lost fumble -- prior to being removed late in the third quarter. Jets head coach Todd Bowles said McCown will have further testing to determine if he can play through the injury, with Bryce Petty in line to take over if it's determined that McCown can't go, per ESPN.com's Rich Cimini. Petty completed just two of nine passes for 14 yards in relief of McCown during Sunday's…read more

McCown was forced out of Sunday's game against the Broncos with a left hand injury, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With McCown banged up, Bryce Petty took over at quarterback for the Jets. Prior to his exit from Sunday's game, McCown completed six of 12 passes for 46 yards and an interception, while adding two carries for seven yards.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that McCown will be the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Analysis: While there was some thought the Jets would turn to one of their two younger quarterbacks once reaching the playoffs became unattainable, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg haven't given the organization reason to believe they can be anything much more than mediocre backups. McCown's strong play this season wasn't enough to keep the Jets in contention, but it has at least given them a fair shot to evaluate the rest of their roster, the pass catchers in particular. McCown will travel to Denver…read more

McCown completed 26 of 36 passes for 331 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 38-31 win over the Chiefs. He also rushed seven times for 19 yards and two touchdowns.

Analysis: McCown continues to defy both the odds and Father Time, as he actually seems to be getting better the later it gets into the season. The 38-year-old was at it again against a vulnerable Chiefs secondary in Week 13, connecting with starting wideouts Jermaine Kearse and Robby Anderson for a combined 17 completions and 264 yards. He hit Matt Forte for his one touchdown and also keyed two critical fourth-quarter drives that proved to be the difference in the game. His one-yard touchdown sneak with…read more

McCown completed 19 of 36 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns during Sunday's 35-27 loss to Carolina. He rushed for 28 yards on two carries, but lost a fumble.

Analysis: McCown's fumble was returned for a touchdown in what ended up being the difference of the game. It was otherwise an excellent outing for the veteran and just his third game of the year with multiple touchdown passes and no interceptions and his first such game with three scores. It was especially impressive given that it came against what is typically a stout Carolina defense. McCown will continue to be tested in the weeks ahead with matchups versus Kansas City and Denver, but he's dangerous…read more

McCown completed 23 of 39 passes for 262 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Buccaneers. He also fumbled once and recovered.

Analysis: The veteran was often under duress in his return to Tampa, as he was taken down six times and hit on another eight occasions. McCown did have his moments, firing a 38-yard score to Robby Anderson and connecting with seven different pass catchers on the afternoon. The 38-year-old's passing yardage total was his second best of the season, although Sunday did mark his first game with a completion rate south of 60.0 percent. Despite the disappointing team outcome, McCown has helped the Jets exceed…read more