Lucky Whitehead
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

The New York Jets added quarterback John Wolford on Thursday, dropping injured returner/receiver Lucky Whitehead in the process.

The New York Jets waived/injured receiver and kick returner Lucky Whitehead on Sunday while bringing in an extra quarterback arm in the form of John Wolford for their preseason finale.

While the injury for the veteran Whitehead, 26, has not been disclosed, he did not play in the Jets’ most recent exhibition tilt on Friday night against the New York Giants. He also did not practice in the week leading up to the 22-16 loss at MetLife Stadium after playing the first two preseason games.

He had three punt returns for 19 yards and a 20-yard kick return this preseason, all obtained in the Week 2 visit to Washington.

Whitehead joined the Jets after two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He was released by the Cowboys in July 2017 after he was charged with petty larceny, but was cleared the day after his release. The Jets brought him into their camp, but a fractured foot suffered quickly forced him to injured reserve. He was activated for the Jets’ season finale against New England, but he did not play.

Added to the roster was the undrafted rookie Wolford, who spent the previous four seasons at Wake Forest. He ended his career on a strong note, leading the ACC with 29 touchdown passes and leading the Demon Deacons to an 8-5 mark, concluding with a 55-52 win over Texas A&M in the Belk Bowl. Wolford threw for 400 yards and four scores in the win, which earned Wake it’s highest win total since 2008.

Though undrafted, he had previously spent time throwing for the Jets in their rookie minicamp in May, one of 44 players invited on a professional tryout.

The Jets’ starting quarterback battle has been one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL summer. Sam Darnold, chosen with the third overall pick in April’s draft, is assumed to be the frontrunner, though incoming veteran Teddy Bridgewater has posted solid numbers in a return from injury.

Last season’s starter, Josh McCown, is also in the running, though he has played sparingly this preseason.

The Jets will conclude their preseason on Thursday night, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles (7:00 p.m. ET, WCBS).

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