O’Brien Breaks Toe, Joins Ryan on Jets’ Limping List

Ken O’Brien and Pat Ryan have always been close. The New York Jet quarterbacks train together, study film together, and now, limp together.

O’Brien broke the middle toe of his left foot during practice Wednesday morning, nearly 60 hours after Ryan severely sprained his left knee against the Philadelphia Eagles. O’Brien is listed as questionable for Saturday’s exhibition game against the New York Giants, and should resume throwing Friday.

Jet Coach Joe Walton downplayed the seriousness of O’Brien’s injury, saying he should play three quarters in the final exhibition game at Kansas City and be ready for the Sept. 10 opener against New England. “If this were the regular season, he’d be ready,” Walton said. “(Trainer) Bob Reese doesn’t seem too concerned.”

O’Brien was injured when left guard Mike Haight stepped on his foot during a pass blocking drill, and aggravated the injury later in practice while demonstrating a mechanical snap machine to newly-signed Mark Malone.

After Malone fumbled several snaps on the machine, O’Brien demonstrated the technique. He took one snap, and when he turned to pivot for a handoff, he apparently caught his cleats in the turf and injured the toe.

O’Brien was scheduled to play the first half Saturday and Kyle Mackey the second half. Now Mackey will play the first half and possibly three quarters. Walton is undecided as to how much James Harris and Malone, signed Tuesday, will play.