http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/fo...p-356392c.html
Jets quarterback Chad Pennington took another step yesterday in his recovery from shoulder surgery, participating in drills during a non-contact practice at Hofstra, the team announced.
Pennington, eight months removed from surgery, took snaps in the 11-on-11 and seven-on-seven portions of the practice and threw, according to a team spokesman. The voluntary session was closed to the media.
That the Jets acknowledged Pennington's participation was a bit of a surprise, considering their cloak-and-dagger approach to his rehabilitation. But, in keeping with their usual policy, they didn't release any details, declining to say how much he threw.
Pennington was not made available to comment, and coach Eric Mangini released a vague statement, saying he was pleased with the turnout and the energy level and noting that "our entire team participated." That included running back Curtis Martin, 33, who underwent knee surgery last December. Martin is expected to be ready for training camp in late July.
In other news, the Jets welcomed back a familiar face, re-signing popular cornerback Ray Mickens, whom they unceremoniously dumped last August when they signed Ty Law. Mickens, 33, played last season for the Browns after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Jets.
Team activities will continue for the rest of the week. The media won't be allowed to observe Pennington until June15, when the team begins a mandatory, three-day minicamp. This is the early stage of what promises to be a compelling training-camp competition between Pennington and newcomer Patrick Ramsey. The starting job is up for grabs, according to Mangini.
Pennington, trying to beat the odds with a twice-repaired throwing shoulder, said two weeks ago that he was "full go, throwing every route we have in the playbook."
Backup quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, who appeared in one game last season, was released.