Jets second-round pick Christian Hackenberg has been something of a closely guarded secret in Florham Park over his first few weeks with the team, but that is about to change this weekend against Washington.
Barring any changes to the pecking order, Hackenberg will at least take some snaps on Friday at FedEx Field.
"That's the plan," Bowles said on Wednesday, via NJ.com. "We'll see how it works out."
Hackenberg initially fell victim to the crowded house at quarterback. He was fourth on the depth chart, which meant fewer reps than Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty. Playing him a week ago in the opener would have been a potential blow to Hackenberg's confidence. He would have been wildly unprepared physically or mentally at best.
A week later, the reps have evened out and its time to get a look at the man who might eventually replace Fitzpatrick.
"It's tough for him right now," Fitzpatrick said. "He has always been the top dog everywhere he has been. This is a new role for him to be here and put in a situation where he isn't getting many reps. He has to take a step back and learn."
Hackenberg is the one person on the Jets' roster who shouldn't be considered a moving piece. The team is not looking to keep four quarterbacks into the regular season, but probably does not want to let go of either Geno Smith or Bryce Petty for nothing. A strong debut from Hackenberg could make certain decisions much easier, though.
