Marshall says Jets face penalty laps for talk that can 'distract the team'

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Nearly two weeks after getting punched in the face by a teammate, Geno Smith rejoined the New York Jetson the practice field Monday, albeit as a spectator. His broken jaw still is healing, and it remains a sensitive subject among his teammates.

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, previously outspoken in his defense of Smith, turned it down several notches in interviews.

"If I continue to talk about it, my teammates are going to make me run laps," he said on "The Rich Eisen Show."

"We made a covenant in the locker room that if we continue to talk about anything that could potentially distract the team, guys have to run laps," he added.

It was difficult to tell if Marshall was serious, but one team source said a concerted effort is being made to avoid revisiting the embarrassing incident -- a jaw-breaking punch by linebacker IK Enemkpali, who was immediately waived by the Jets.

Marshall was the first and only player to come out in support of Smith, whose leadership has been questioned. On Monday, in a post-practice interview, Marshall offered only clipped answers to questions about the former starting quarterback.

Smith, wearing a red quarterback jersey and no helmet, jogged and tossed passes on the side. He stayed far away from reporters and cameras and worked out for about an hour on a remote practice field. Midway through practice, he went to the locker room with a trainer. He didn't talk to the media.

The Jets expect Smith, recovering from jaw surgery, to miss four regular-season games. It'll probably be a few weeks before he is cleared for practice. Asked about positional drills, Todd Bowles said, "I don't think it will be anytime soon."

Smith has received the OK to attend meetings and be around the facility on a full-time basis. He was reprimanded by team officials more than a week ago for playing catch with a friend at his apartment building only two days after surgery.

"It's good to see his face," Bowles said. "He didn't do much, but at least he's not hurting like he was."

The Jets have committed to Ryan Fitzpatrick as their opening-day starter. It's his job to lose, meaning there are no guarantees for Smith when he's healthy.

"I'm sure you can talk to him about it, but he's been in meetings, been vocal and helping out and all that," Fitzpatrick said. "I think he's kind of getting back into it. He's allowed to be around a little bit more now, and so I think that's helpful for him."

The usually chatty Marshall was reluctant to offer even general comments about Smith, which made for a funny exchange with reporters.

"Yeah, it feels good to have him back here," he said. "He looked good over there, working out a little bit."

How's he doing?

"He's doing good."

Anything more specific?

"No, I've got to keep that stuff private," he said. "That is all personal relationship. So he is doing good. He's in good spirits."