BY NICK ST. DENIS
This summer, New York Jets rookie offensive lineman Brian Winters was unable to win the starting left guard job, which was awarded to Vlad Ducasse.
This week, Winters has a second opportunity to earn the gig.
According to multiple media reports, and as first reported by Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday, the Jets will give Winters the first-team snaps this week in practice. If he proves himself to be at least a serviceable option, he'll get the nod when the team travels to Atlanta to take on the Falcons Monday night.
Ducasse has struggled through most of the first quarter of the season. He's been the team's worst pass blocker and hasn't impressed in the run game despite an OK preseason in that department. He also leads the offense in penalties with six, according to Pro Football Focus.
Winters was drafted in the third round out of Kent State. He started every game for the Golden Flashes from 2009-12 and was named to First Team All-MAC his senior year.
Ducasse was drafted in the second round in 2010 and lost a battle for the starting guard job to Matt Slauson that year. He was given the gig this year after the Jets cut Stephen Peterman, as Winters didn't appear ready.
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