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CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Geno Smith is getting the call for the New York Jets. No stunner there. Coach Rex Ryan announced Monday that Smith will start over Michael Vick at quarterback, as expected, in the Jets preseason opener Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts. "Ive been happy with the way hes looked, his command and things," Ryan said. Smith is looking to retain the starting job in his second season. He has taken about 80 per cent of the snaps with the first-team offence during training camp -- which had been the plan set by Ryan and offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Vick signed in March after five seasons in Philadelphia, giving the Jets an experienced backup and playmaker who could push Smith and step in if he falters or is injured. Smith was listed as the No. 1 quarterback on the first depth chart of camp released by the team Monday morning. Ryan said he and Mornhinweg have not determined how long Smith and the starters will play in the game at MetLife Stadium, or if Vick will also take some snaps with the starters. Both Smith and Vick have been solid -- not spectacular -- so far this summer. Neither was able to get the Jets into the end zone during the teams scrimmage Saturday. Vick showed off his running ability in that practice, leading the team with 35 yards rushing, including a 20-yarder. Because of Vicks speed and elusiveness, Ryan could have the option of using him as a change-of-pace quarterback -- or perhaps even in the wildcat formation. "Really havent thought about that," Ryan said. "Were just trying to get through our first preseason game, but clearly he adds that element. Theres no doubt." Ryan was then asked if things might get complicated when a team starts using two quarterbacks. "Well, it never worked out great the last time, did it?" a smiling Ryan said, alluding to the Jets use of Sanchez and Tim Tebow in 2012. "Well see. But you never say never to things." NOTES: There were no surprises on the depth chart, except for the team listing Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell all as starters at RB. Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley are down as starters at WR. Rookie Jalen Saunders currently holds the No. 1 spot at punt returner, while Jacoby Ford leads the teams kick returners. ... Rookie S Calvin Pryor practiced a bit in team drills for the first time since suffering a concussion July 26. Ryan said he has been cleared for some contact, but is not yet a full go. His status vs. the Colts was uncertain. ... Decker has been limited by foot and hamstring ailments, but Ryan said he thinks "hell be fine." ... Ryan confirmed that LB Jermaine Cunningham tore his right Achilles tendon in the scrimmage and needs season-ending surgery. Sam Bradford Jersey . Peter Dawson took his long before he started the job. "I was playing an American one year at Oxford Golf Club, and he introduced me to this travelling mulligan," Dawson said. Josh Rosen Jersey . Henrik Samuelsson and Luke Bertolucci also scored for the Oil Kings, who are now 9-0 on home ice in the playoffs to cut Portlands series lead to 2-1. Chase De Leo and Mathew Dumba responded for the Winterhawks, who suffered just their fourth loss in their last 46 games, a string of success running all the way back to Jan. He made that dream a reality Wednesday night. Olt, who grew up in Branford, Connecticut, attended UConn and made a nearly 2 1-2 hour trek to Boston a handful of times to watch the Red Sox, belted a two-run homer, one of four hit by Cubs in a 16-9 rout that completed a three-game interleague series sweep. Christian Kirk Jersey . According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the deal will pay Schenn $2.25 million in the first year and $2.75 million in the second year. In 82 games with the Flyers in 2013-14, Schenn scored 20 goals and added 21 assists. Chad Williams Cardinals Jersey . -- The NFL Players Association wants to determine if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaked information about quarterback Josh Freeman being in the NFLs substance abuse program.NASHVILLE -- Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne cant wait to test himself in a game. The Predators, who announced Wednesday that they are sending Rinne to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee, are cautiously waiting to see if the two-time Vezina Trophy finalist can help them chase down a playoff berth. Both Rinne and the team will have a better idea of where he is after the conditioning assignment for games Friday and likely Sunday in this latest step in his recovery from an E. coli infection in his surgically repaired left hip. Rinne has been limited to only nine games this season. Coach Barry Trotz said the Predators will be monitoring Rinne after each practice and game. "Hes at a point where weve got to find out where he is game-wise and also body and mind," Trotz said of Rinne. The Predators start a five-game home stand Thursday night hosting Tampa Bay just four points back of the Western Conferences eighth and final playoff spot with 23 games remaining. They missed the playoffs last year for only the second time in nine seasons. How quickly Rinne rejoins them depends on how he fares in Milwaukee. Rinne practiced with the Predators on Wednesday before travelling to Milwaukee, and he called this a big day with doctors giving him the green light for the latest step in his long recovery. He has been sidelined since Oct. 24 for an infection in the hip surgically repaired May 9, and Rinne said hes focusing on getting his game back and help the Predators. "So far I feel really comfortable," Rinne said. "Im happy how things have gone in practice and how things have gone so far. I think Im actually a little bit surprised its been going so well. But like I said, its still a process but for sure I feel like Im really close to game shape andd now its just a final couple of games before I jump on the ice with the Nashville team.dddddddddddd" Rinne, 31, is sixth in the NHL with 152 wins since the 2008-09 season and has 30 shutouts since 2008-09, which leads all goalies during that time. He hasnt played since Oct. 22 in a 2-0 loss at Minnesota. He is 4-4-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. The Predators have played four other goalies this season trying to make up for Rinnes absence. Currently, Carter Hutton is their starter, and he is 13-9-4 with a .904 save percentage and 2.87 goals-against average. Trotz said what theyve been missing without Rinne is a game-changer who can mean the difference in as many as 20 points in the standings each season. "Hes an elite goaltender and steals games maybe when you dont deserve it," Trotz said. "He can steal points." Trotz said theyre not sure what theyll see from Rinne. "Its not about Pekka coming back and being a saviour," Trotz said. "I think its Pekka coming back and adding to our mix. And if he can get his game to the level close to what hes capable of, were a better hockey team plain and simple. To me, its about Pekka for hopefully the next five or six years. Hes a difference maker." Captain Shea Weber, who practiced with the Predators on Wednesday after helping Canada win the Olympic gold medal Sunday in Sochi, said the Predators are definitely excited about the prospect of Rinne returning to the lineup as they try to chase down a playoff spot. "Weve been through a lot this year and to see what position we put ourselves in here four points out coming in its not going to be easy by any means," Weber said. "If anyone can do it, we can." 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