:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20957115/20120810_kdl_su8_1176.0.jpg)
David Garrard is once again on an NFL team, looking to comeback from his comeback from his comeback attempt. Garrard originally signed with the New York Jets in March, but was forced to retire from the game due to complication with the knee injury that derailed his first comeback attempt with the Miami Dolphins in the 2012 preseason. With the season ending surgery for Mark Sanchez this week, the Jets were in need of a veteran backup quarterback for rookie Geno Smith, so in steps Garrard.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2002 Draft, Garrard played nine years with the Jacksonville Jaguars before a back injury ultimately led to his release before the start of the 2011 season. Having not played in over a year, Garrard joined the Dolphins in March 2012, looking to make his way back to a starting role. Things looked to be going well for the veteran before a knee injury suffered in his home led to him being released by Miami.
After taking the year off to rehab his knee, Garrard joined the Jets in March, but found that his knee was not responding, the way he would like, and he was in pain and had constant swelling after any offseason workouts. Garrard announced his retirement and seemed set to walk away from the game.
However, this week, he called the Jets to ask if there was interest in him coming back to the team with the news that Sanchez, who was injured in the preseason, was finally having the season ending surgery. Garrard has been given a two-week roster exemption, meaning he does not count against the New York 53-man roster limit as he attempts to prove he can still play at the NFL level.
The Jets play the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots the next two weeks, while Garrard is on the exemption. He will be eligible to return to the team for the October 27 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. The team currently has Smith, Matt Simms, and Brady Quinn on the 53-man roster at the quarterback position.
For more on Garrard and the Jets, check out Gang Green Nation.