CHAD PENNINGTON’S AMBIGUOUS STATUS

It is difficult for the Jets to count on Chad Pennington returning from a second shoulder surgery. Infact, Pennington’s health is the Jets' biggest question this offseason. Pennington hopes to start throwing in March. The Jets are interested in acquiring a starting-caliber quarterback to compete with Pennington. Another health concern is RB Curtis Martin, 32, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery two weeks ago. Debris, including bone fragments, was removed from the right knee. When Edward was quizzed for a status report on Pennington's rehab, he himself sounded ambiguous. Pennington is ahead of his schedule, as compared to his recovery from the prior operation on his right rotator cuff in February. If that's the case, why don't the Jets have as much information about Pennington's progress as they did nearly three months after the February procedure? Edwards' deliberately vague answers has made it apparent that the team already recognizes that it won't know Pennington's status with any certainty by the time free agency begins in March, and therefore will be .exploring every possible option for acquiring a quarterback with starting potential in the .offseason. There is a strong preference among some in the organization toward bringing in an experienced player; Jon Kitna, Patrick Ramsey, Kerry Collins and perhaps Drew Brees are among those who could be available.