Jets' Bowles: We can keep all 4 QBs

For those waiting to see how the New York Jets handle their four-quarterback quandary, Todd Bowles isn't showing the team's hand.

The head coach spoke to reporters Tuesday, suggesting the Jets could keep Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, and Christian Hackenberg as backups to starter Ryan Fitzpatrick this season.

"Well, I wasn't leaning toward letting all four go when (camp) started. I said there was a possibility that we might keep them. All four are good football players," Bowles said.

"We can keep all four," he added. "It's just a matter of battling with the other positions, so that's still up for grabs."

Fitzpatrick signed a one-year, $12-million deal in July, while Hackenberg was selected in the second round of this year's draft, meaning both are veritable locks to remain Jets. The belief is the team will release or trade one of Smith or Petty, however Petty was drafted just last season while Smith appears to be the only quarterback currently capable of starting in place of Fitzpatrick.

Teams are mandated to trim their rosters to 53 players ahead of the regular season, but if a move is forthcoming, the Jets are keeping that information in-house.

Smith didn't play in the third preseason game on Saturday, and Bowles said the decision was made to keep the fourth-year pro healthy. Bowles also revealed his plan to give Petty and Hackenberg even playing time in Thursday's final preseason game.

That contest may go a long way toward determining the Jets' quarterback situation.

"We'll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out," Bowles said.