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Jets taking long-term approach with Hackenberg due to flawed mechanics

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Christian Hackenberg sitting out the first two preseason games while receiving limited practice reps all but confirms he sits a distant fourth on the New York Jets quarterback depth chart.

As questions mount about the decision to take a chance on the raw quarterback in the second round of this year's draft, the Jets are preaching patience.

Quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo points to Hackenberg's mechanical flaws in suggesting his development will take some time.

"It's like a golfer," Patullo said Wednesday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. "You don't want to change his swing midseason."

Preseason games largely serve as an opportunity to get young players on the field for live reps, so the Jets' decision to hold Hackenberg out appears to indicate the long road he'll face moving forward.

After this week's regular-season dress rehearsal, where starters will see their most significant workload yet, the fourth and final preseason game represents Hackenberg's last chance for in-game work ahead of his presumed redshirt rookie year.

The problem with having a young quarterback relegated to the sidelines is the fact he still holds a spot on the 53-man roster. Barring a surprise move to carry four quarterbacks, the Jets may have to decided between keeping Geno Smith or Bryce Petty as Ryan Fitzpatrick's backup.

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