Qvale, Ijalana Look to Seize Opportunity with Giacomini

By Glenn Naughton

During today’s press conference with the New York media, Jets Head Coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that with two weeks remaining before the team’s September 11th home opener, there is a chance that right tackle Breno Giacomini will be a no go come kickoff.  Giacomini has been plagued by back pain since the opening days of training camp.

Bowles on whether RT Breno Giacomini will be available WK1: "I have no idea. It's getting close and he hasn't practiced yet, so we'll see."

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 25, 2016

In his absence, career back-ups Brent Qvale and Ben Ijalana have alternated at the position in practice and through the first two preseason games as they both look to take Giacomini’s spot for however long he’s sidelined.

Neither player has extensive playing experience and Qvale owns the only start between the two, but neither has heard their name called a great deal this preseason against the Jaguars or Redskins, and that’s a good thing in cases like this.

Todd Bowles also said the Jets could be in the market for a veteran right tackle, but don’t expect much on that front as there’s not much on the market with all 32 teams still carrying 90 players.

For now, it’s a banged up Giacomini, with Qvale and Ijalana jockeying for position.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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