N.Y. Jets Sign Ex-Chargers QB Malone

Quarterback Mark Malone, released by the San Diego Chargers last week after they traded for Jim McMahon, was signed today by the New York Jets as a replacement for the injured Pat Ryan.

The 30-year-old Malone, a 10-year veteran, played in 12 games last year for the Chargers, starting eight. He completed 147 of 272 passes for 1,580 yards with six touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.

A first-round draft choice of Pittsburgh from Arizona State in 1980, Malone was acquired by San Diego after the 1987 season for two draft choices.

Lost Starting Job

In eight years with the Steelers, he started 46 games, passing for 8,582 yards and 54 touchdowns, running for 459 and 14 more TDs. But he lost his starting job to Bubby Brister in 1987, making him expendable.

Ryan, a 12-year veteran who was the backup to Ken O’Brien, tore ligaments in his left knee in Sunday night’s 19-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He is expected to be out from six to eight weeks, leaving only the inexperienced Kyle Mackey behind O’Brien, who has had shoulder problems the last three years.

Last week, Coach Joe Walton said he was leaning toward keeping Mackey as a third quarterback because “you never know what’s going to happen. You never know when somebody is going to get hurt.” Then came Ryan’s knee injury.

Jets team physicians James A. Nicholas and Elliott Hershman examined Ryan on Monday and prescribed rest.

“They would like to see the knee heal by itself,” Walton said. “He could possibly play later in the season. I can’t tell you what a loss this is.”

Walton is pleased with Mackey, who will play the second half of Saturday’s exhibition game against the New York Giants. But he had indicated Monday that he might seek a more experienced quarterback--such as Malone.