We have activated quarterback David Garrard to the active roster. In order to make room for Garrard, we have released Brady Quinn.
Garrard, who was on the exempt list the past two games, rejoined the team on Oct. 10. A nine-year NFL veteran, Garrard originally signed in March before a balky knee forced him to leave in May. But Garrard started training a couple of months ago, reached out to GM John Idzik and has done everything the past week and half — including practice and attend meetings — except play games.
"You certainly see the experience. He's been there and done it," said Rex Ryan upon Garrard's recent signing. "He handles himself like a pro. I saw that. Obviously he has a commanding presence in the huddle and he threw the ball extremely well. That's really what I remember seeing about David."
The 6'1", 239-pound Garrard is a career 61.6% passer with 89 TDs and 54 INTs. A fourth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002, the East Carolina product has started 76 games while appearing in 86 regular season contests. We had time to evaluate Garrard's physical condition and were comfortable with his situation moving forward.
Rookie Geno Smith, who has led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime in all four of our wins, is completing 58.3% of his passes for 1,723 yards with 8 TDs and 11 INTs. Matt Simms, who had an impressive training camp yet has never taken a regular season snap, has backed up Smith all season. A former first-round selection with starting experience, Quinn was the club's No. 3 and had been inactive for six games.
