The Jets returned to practice today, and after Friday’s showing, it’s clear they have a lot of work to do to prepare for the annual Jets-Giants preseason showdown on Saturday. (Not to mention the start of the regular season).

There were two big story lines  from today, one involving – you guessed it – Tim Tebow.

Tebow “Shines” in Practice: Sounds like Tim  Tebow had an excellent practice today, going 9-for-12 (two drops) with a TD on a 25-yard run.

Manish Mehta of the Daily News wrote this morning that ”Rex Ryan doesn’t rule out possibility that Tim Tebow could see greater role on offense if pass protection struggles.” I read the article and what it said is that Rex Ryan, when asked, said,“we’re open to anything,” though I am not sure the headline is precisely what he said. It is a fair suggestion – Tebow’s size and mobility certainly make it easier to escape pressure and mask the poor offensive line play – but only time will tell how much Tebow is on the field week to week.

FWIW, QB Mark Sanchez went 7-for-15, one drop and an interception. The pass was intended for Jordan White and according to those in attendance, it looked like there was a misconnection b/t the Q B and receiver.

Howard to Compete At Right Tackle? In his presser this morning, both Rex Ryan and Tony Sparano mostly defended the offensive line play in Friday’s game. (Did we watch the same game?)

What’s most significant from the two pressers is Rex Ryan’s  praise for OT Austin Howard, who played right tackle in place of Wayne Hunter on Friday night. Per Rich Cimini, Hunter and Howard were splitting reps  today, though it may have a little something to do with Hunter’s back injury.

No matter what the Jets say, we all know that they want more for RT tackle position than Wayne Hunter. I was not overly impressed with Howard on Friday, but I am all for a competition at the position. I remain hopeful that the starting RT for the Jets is not currently on the roster.

Here are a few other important notes from today’s practice, including an injury update:

• The Jets have waived punter Travis Baltz. Congrats TJ Conley?
• S Eric Smith is day to day after spraining his MCL in Friday’s game.  He also injured his hip, but x-rays came back negative.
• RB Joe McKnight, who played excellent in Friday’s game, suffered an ankle injury in today’s practice. No word yet on his status.
• NT Sione Pouha was held out of practice today with an apparent injury. He missed Friday’s preseason game after stitches on his forehead and a back injury kept him from practicing.
• WR Chaz Schilens injured his ankle in Saturday’s game; this injury is in addition to the groin injury previously disclosed. This is not good for Schilens, who really needs to get reps if he is going to earn regular playing time. I am no longer confident Schilens is going to make the 53-man roster.
• WR Jeremy Kerley and WR Santonio Holmes were both still sidelined today, and Kerley revealed that he is recovering from a slight hamstring tear. At least we now know exactly what he is/was dealing with.
• LB Ricky Sapp (ankle) and RT Stephen Heyer (undisclosed) also didn’t practice. Sapp has performed well in camp, and I am anxious to see him in a game situation.