FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Second-string Jets quarterback Geno Smith practiced but, given the lingering soreness in his right shoulder, the newly christened backup did not throw the ball on Wednesday.

So will Smith be able to go on Sunday in Kansas City in the event of an injury to starter Michael Vick?

"We've got to play it day by day," Smith said, "follow the instructions of the training staff and see how it goes."

Smith said he was injured against the Bills a few plays before his third interception, sustaining a stinger, and then reinjured when he pushed Bills safety Aaron Williams out of bounds a yard shy of the end zone on an interception return.

"That last play really hurt me," Smith said.

In more ways than one. Smith was done for the day, but if Ryan hadn't pulled him after throwing three interceptions, Smith isn't sure he would've been able to finish the game.

"I would've tried," Smith said. "I always try to push through those things. I'm not sure if I would've or not."

The team took X-rays of his shoulder after the game and, although they didn't officially announce the results, he has been cleared to practice.

So now Smith has to rehab his shoulder and his wounded ego on the bench. He hasn't been anything but the starter since his freshman year at West Virginia, so this is an unfamiliar spot.

"I'm just preparing myself to be able to play on Sunday," Smith said. "You never know what can happen, so I'm preparing to be ready to play."