FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets haven't decided who their backup quarterback will be Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Geno Smith says he's ready to go.
Smith practiced fully for the second straight day Thursday, six weeks removed from having his jaw broken by a former teammate, IK Enemkpali, who punched him in the Jets locker room.
Smith spoke with reporters in the same locker room Thursday and said he feels 100 percent.
"Physically I feel fine," Smith said. "Spinning the ball well in practice. [Although] you have to get in a game to actually understand where you are, and that's how you learn.
"I missed the preseason, so that was a big step back, I would say. But mentally I was always there -- in the film room, with the guys in the classroom, and then when I'm out there on the sideline I'm taking mental reps. So mentally I feel good as well."
Jets coach Todd Bowles said he probably will make a final decision on the backup quarterback Saturday. It will either be Smith or rookie fourth-round draft pick Bryce Petty. Bowles also left open the possibility that the Jets could dress three QBs against the Eagles.
But Smith definitely won't be given back the starting job, at least right now. With the Jets 2-0 on the young season, Bowles is sticking with Ryan Fitzpatrick, and it sounds like Smith is taking that decision in stride.
"You want to be out there [playing]; you're not happy," Smith said. "But it's not one of those things where I'm gonna change my approach, gonna change the way I approach teammates or the way we go about our business.
"It's the decision; I understand it. I'm not bitter about it, I understand why. And just, like I said, just go out there and keep supporting my guys, keep supporting my teammates, and that's what I'll do."
Bowles gave Fitzpatrick a public endorsement Tuesday, a day after the Jets upset the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, saying Fitzpatrick would continue to be the starter.
Smith said he heard the news the same way everyone else did -- through the media, as no one on the Jets coaching staff personally informed him. But he downplayed that.
"No, I didn't mind," Smith said. "It's not a big deal. It's just how it went."
Smith maintained a positive tone throughout his session with reporters Thursday, including when asked whether he is worried that his window of opportunity with the Jets has closed.
"It's really not important," Smith said. "I'm just gonna keep practicing, keep working. The spirits are high around here, and mine are high as well.
"The window and all that stuff? I'm 24 years old. Whoever wants to say that, they can say that. But I know that I have a lot of football left in me, and I will get a chance."