EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants' backup quarterback competition appears all but over.
In a dramatic reversal, a week after being demoted to third string behind Curtis Painter, Ryan Nassib regained his second-string status and threw three touchdown passes in a 35-24 preseason win over the Jets on Friday night.
The second-year man from Syracuse completed eight of 12 passes for 103 yards, and connected with fullback Henry Hynoski and wide receivers Preston Parker and Corey Washington for scores.
"It gets easier when you get into a rhythm and get into a little chemistry with your receivers and are able to go out there and play," Nassib said.
Nassib struggled during training camp and didn't look particularly good in the Giants' first two preseason games, leading coach Tom Coughlin to elevate Painter ahead of Nassib in practice. Painter played before Nassib in last week's game against the Colts, but Nassib came in late and rallied the team, completing 11 of 15 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown.
The TD toss to Hynoski on Friday was a short one, just 3 yards. But Nassib threw perfect strikes to Parker and Washington for 39 and 31 yards, respectively.
Painter didn't even get into the game against the Jets.
The Giants will likely only carry two quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster. Starter Eli Manning will probably see limited action in Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots, so Nassib and Painter should both play extensively. But barring something extraordinary, that will likely be Painter's swan song.
