Manish Mehta reports on the disappointing news regarding 3rd/4th string QB Erik Ainge:
CORTLAND - Jets quarterback Erik Ainge recently entered a drug treatment/rehab facility for "recreational issues," according to sources. The Jets placed the fourth-year pro on the reserve/non-football illness list before the start of training camp.
A team source told the Daily News that the Jets are "very disappointed" in what appears to be a relapse for Ainge and don't have a timetable for his return.
This would be Ainge's second strike under the league's substance abuse policies, which means that he would be subject to an eight-game suspension upon his return. Ainge, who hasn't taken a regular-season snap in his first three seasons, was suspended for four games without pay in 2008 for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
It's never easy to comment on these situations, and it's extremely disappointing from a team perspective. He was already on the bubble, and this might of just burst it.