QB Controversy Returns To N.Y.

Maybe he doesn't want to give the Miami Dolphins any extra information. Maybe he isn't sure if the bye week offered enough healing time for his starting quarterback. Or maybe Bill Parcells has been through this situation too many times to be making any commitments.

As theNew York Jets returned Tuesday from the off week, their coach still was hedging on whether Glenn Foley will be healthy enough to start Sunday against the unbeaten Dolphins.

Foley injured his ribs in Week 2 and was replaced by Vinny Testaverde against Indianapolis for the third game. Testaverde threw four touchdown passes as the Jets won for the first time.

But Parcells has made it clear Foley is his No. 1 quarterback and will start when he is ready. So, is he ready?

"Here's the thing I have to be concerned with as a coach," Parcells said. "If a player has something, whatever player it is, and it is capable of affecting his performance to a point where it will be a deterrent to you winning the game, you can't let that happen. There are certain things, guys have a little thing wrong, and they can get by playing their position. It's bothersome, but not dysfunctional, and it does not inhibit the team's chance of winning.

"At this position, it is different. By virtue of what you have, you take on a different behavior, maybe a preservation tactic. If it's something that affects your performance, then I can't live with that."

Foley has lived with separated rib cartilage for more than two weeks. But the bye came at a fortunate time for him -- and linebacker James Farrior (sprained knee) and receiver Wayne Chrebet (sprained ankle), who also returned to practice Tuesday.

"I'm ready to roll," Foley said. "I had some time to heal up and I did just that. I'm ready and I'm back."

But necessarily back in the starting lineup. Parcells is reserving judgment for a few days.

"It's his decision, based on what he sees in practice," said Foley, who has been brittle throughout his five-year NFL carer. "I feel like I'm ready to be out there."

Parcells made sure on Foley's readiness for the Colts game by sneaking up on him and poking him in the ribs. Foley winced in pain, and the coach had his answer.

Will he be doing that again?

"That's the squeeze test," Parcells said with a smile. "Dr. Pellman says it will take the place of the MRI; it transmits more information quickly."

It won't be so revealing again, Foley promised.

"I need rearview mirrors," he said. "I'm inviting him to do that again."

Is he inviting the defensive linemen to take their licks, too, just to prove his health?

"Yeah, I'll take golf clubs, baseball bats, karate chops," Foley said.

Testaverde isn't counting on starting against the Dolphins. Nor is he expecting to be on the sideline, either. He's not anticipating anything.

"I've always believed for a team to be successful, you have to understand your role on the team, whether you like it or not," he said. "I don't want to be a backup to anybody, but it happens that's the way it is right now. When I get the opportunity to play, I'll do my best to help this team win."

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