Christian Hackenberg is 26 games into his professional career and he has yet to step foot on the field, creating an air of mystery around the former second-round pick. Curious observers want to see him play, especially now that the New York Jets are playoff long shots, but the organization has made its position clear.
They won't sacrifice wins to develop young players.
"We're focused more on the Carolina Panthers than getting into that debate," quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates said Tuesday, commenting on why Hackenberg is a nonfactor. "Of course, we'll have that conversation at the end of the season.