Jets coach Todd Bowles finally ended weeks of speculation and named Josh McCown his Week 1 quarterback.
McCown, a 38-year-old veteran, beat out Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty for the spot despite the fact that he's played in only one series this preseason. McCown also took limited snaps in practice last week.
"He gives us the best chance to win," Bowles said.
No backup quarterback was named Monday.
Hackenberg failed to distinguish himself despite repeated opportunities this preseason, while Petty, who had a near-perfect game Saturday, is nursing a sprained MCL.
McCown completed 3 of 4 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown in his lone preseason series.
McCown, 38, is with his seventh different team entering his 15th season in the NFL. He previously played for the Cardinals, Raiders, Panthers, Bears, Buccaneers and Browns, mostly in a backup capacity.
McCown has a 59.1 career completion percentage, 78.2 career passer rating, 79 touchdowns and 69 interceptions in 82 games.
He spent the last two seasons with the Browns and saw limited action as the starter last season after Robert Griffin III landed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury following a Week 1 loss to the Eagles. But that was short-lived as McCown suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2. He had a 54.5 completion percentage, 1,100 passing yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions in five games, including three starts, for the Browns last season.
The Jets open the regular season on the road against the Bills on Sept. 10.
