A week later, Edwards is left with the task of being first-time starter Greg McElroy's No. 1 target in the garbage time of the Jets' season. (photo: Zolotkey, Flickr)
After New York's demoralizing loss to the Tennessee Titans Monday night, Jets coach Rex Ryan benched Sanchez in favor of the second-year McElroy. Wednesday night, rookie receiver Stephen Hill was placed on Injured Reserve, and the Jets' used-to-be top target tight end Dustin Keller is expected to miss yet another game Sunday when the Jets host the San Diego Chargers.
McElroy has a two-game audition to prove he whether he deserves to at least be considered for a training camp competition for a starting job next season.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” McElroy said Wednesday, via NewYorkJets.com. “This is a great moment and a great milestone in my career. This is something I’ve looked forward to, I’ve dreamed about my entire life. It’s a tremendous team and I’m thankful for Rex and Coach [Tony] Sparano for giving me this shot.”
The next two contests will also be a trial period for Edwards, who is slated to hit free agency in 2013 after being paid the league-minimum in 2012. The Jets were the only team willing to give him a shot after being dropped by the Seattle Seahawks late in the season, so he'll look to prove to the team he claims to love that it should bring him back, again.
With Hill and Keller out, and the likeliness that the Jets will want to test McElroy through the air, Edwards should get plenty of chances to show his worth.
Edwards hauled in three catches for 47 yards Monday night.
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