Geno Smith’s uneven summer continued Tuesday, with the backup quarterback struggling so mightily during practice that he slammed his helmet to the ground. Smith was almost intercepted multiple times, was inaccurate and fumbled a few snaps.
Smith again declined to speak to reporters following several stories early last week, including one in The Post, about the one-year anniversary of his jaw getting broken by IK Enemkpali. Smith was booed in the preseason opener Thursday against the Jaguars, and declined to be interviewed afterward, a violation of NFL policy.
On Sunday, he tweeted: “If they don’t have a story these days, they’ll make one.”
Smith received less reps than fellow quarterback Bryce Petty, but coach Todd Bowles said that was more to get a better look at Petty. On Saturday, Bowles said there is no competition for the backup job behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.
“We like to mix and match people to see how they match up and play,” Bowles said, referring to Petty getting more reps than Smith. “A lot of guys are put first, second and third team. That doesn’t mean anything.”
Bowles said all four quarterbacks “have to be ready to play” in Friday’s second preseason game against the Redskins, but he wouldn’t reveal his plans for the game as of yet.
Muhammad Wilkerson, returning from a broken leg, had his first full practice of training camp after coming off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list last Tuesday, taking part in 11-on-11 team drills with both the first and second team. Bowles, however, said he isn’t sure if Wilkerson will play Friday.
“He ran around fine, but he’s still got some ways to go before he gets in shape,” Bowles said.
Nick Mangold has a new partner at left tackle in veteran Ryan Clady, and has liked what he has seen so far.
“It’s been for me, the first time in 11 years I’ve had to learn a new perspective [from someone] at left tackle,” said Mangold, who was given a rest day Tuesday. “It’s rare you find new things in year 11. That’s been pretty fun. You can tell the way he works, the way he carried himself, he’s a solid professional and should do a great job for us.”
Brandon Marshall missed practice for what Bowles called “an excused absence,” and could be away Wednesday also. He is still expected to play Friday. … The Jets signed former Bears running back Antone Smith and placed running back Bernard Pierce (hamstring) on injured reserve. Smith practiced with his new teammates immediately.
Young defensive tackle Leonard Williams continued his impressive training camp with another strong practice. The second-year pro was a fixture in the backfield, blowing up several running plays and drove backup offensive guard Mike Liedtke back several yards on one occasion.
The Jets have so little depth and injury issues in their backfield, fullback Tommy Bohanon got some first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills as the lone running back in the backfield.
Nick Folk doesn’t seem ready to lose his job. The veteran made all six of his kicks, including a 61-yarder, while rookie Ross Martin, who is attempting to unseat Folk, made 5-of-6, hitting from 61 but missing from 43.
Running back Matt Forte (hamstring) took part in positional drills for the second straight practice, but was held out of team drills. Practicing fully for the first time were outside linebackers Trevor Reilly (leg) and Mike Catapano (unknown), and defensive tackle Steve McLendon (toe). Cornerback Dexter McDougle came up lame late in practice with what looked like a hamstring injury, while safety Doug Middleton (leg) and tight end Wes Saxton (leg) didn’t practice.