The most famous roster-bubble player in recent preseason history will be on the field Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.
Tebow.
The former New York Jets punt protector is battling Matt Barkley for the Philadelphia Eagles' third-string quarterback job, and you know what? I hope he makes it. Everybody knows he's not a very good quarterback, but this is the No. 3 position we're talking about, not a key backup spot. Besides, he's good for the game. The NFL is more interesting when Tebow is in it. Just ask Skip Bayless.
A few dozen players not named Tebow also will be competing for jobs when the New York Jets host the Eagles. Let's examine a few notable players that will be scrutinized by the Jets' brass:
Matt Flynn/Josh Johnson, quarterback: One will be cut, and it will probably be Johnson -- unless Flynn re-injures a hamstring and/or stinks it up. It's a tough spot for Flynn because he doesn't know the offense, he hasn't played in a game since last season and he will be playing with backups. Don't be surprised if Johnson outshines Flynn. He's not rusty (he played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason opener) and he can scramble out of trouble, an important trait in what figures to be a sloppy game.
Jeremy Kerley, wide receiver: I'd be surprised if they release him, but nothing can be ruled out because he doesn't seem to have a prominent place in Chan Gailey's vision for the offense. Two things are working in Kerley's favor: He's their top punt returner and his $2 million salary is guaranteed, although they would save $1 million on the cap by releasing him. To me, it would be foolish to dump Kerley -- unless, of course, they can get something in a trade. How Quincy Eunuwa, Chris Owusu and Shaquelle Evans perform in the finale could impact Kerley, who won't play as he recovers from a concussion.
Brian Winters, guard: Much to the disappointment of the new coaching staff, the former third-round pick failed to challenge incumbent Willie Colon at right guard. Winters is coming off major knee surgery, so maybe he deserves some slack, but the new regime has no loyalty to John Idzik's draft picks. Thing is, the only backup guard not chosen by Idzik is rookie Jarvis Harrison, and he's not ready. Winters will be the highest Jets draft pick on the field whose job is at stake.
Oday Aboushi, guard: The former fifth-round pick was in trouble before his one-game, substance-abuse suspension was announced. Now he's in real trouble. He needs a big night against the Eagles.
Jason Babin, linebacker: His chances improved with the injuries to Calvin Pace (groin) and rookie Lorenzo Mauldin. Pace's injury isn't serious, but do they want to take a chance by cutting their only experienced backup at outside linebacker? It's too risky. They can save $1.5 million on the cap by releasing him, but a $1.35 million base salary isn't outrageous for a player of his ilk.
Trevor Reilly, linebacker: He did all the right things from a mental standpoint in extended play last week, according to coach Todd Bowles. But you get the feeling Bowles is looking for more speed at the position. That's not Reilly's forte, but he's a smart, tough football player. You need guys like that.
Stephen Bowen, defensive end: He is battling Leger Douzable and Ronald Talley for maybe two backups spots. It's an important job, especially without Sheldon Richardson (four-game suspension) and rookie Leonard Williams coming off a minor knee injury. Important to remember: Bowen and Douzable are vested veterans, meaning their salaries are guaranteed if they're on the 53-man roster for Week 1. That could factor into the decision-making.
Stevan Ridley, running back: He's not playing because he's still on the physically-unable-to-perform list, but a decision has to be made on his status. The expectation is that he will be added to the regular-season PUP list, which puts him on the shelf for a minimum of six weeks. Ridley, nine months removed from knee surgery, probably would say he's ready to roll, but the Jets are slow-playing his return. Maybe they're intrigued with the idea of adding fresh legs in the middle of the season to the backfield stable. It stinks for Ridley, because it'll cost him $150,000 in potential roster bonuses by sitting the first six games.
Dee Milliner, cornerback: If he were healthy, there would be a lot of trade chatter. But the former No. 1 pick, coming back from wrist surgery, still is about a month away, so short-term injured reserve (eight games) will be a consideration.