Geno Smith has described himself as "extremely excited" ahead of the New York Jets' pre-season game against the New York Giants this weekend.
The rookie quarterback is expected to play, having missed the side's previous pre-season clash with an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old told reporters: "If I get a chance to play, if I get a chance to start, it's going to be big for me. I've been working extremely hard and I just want to go out there and play well.
"I'm extremely excited, especially since I didn't get to play last week. So I get an opportunity to go out there and play and try and win the game with my teammates.
"[My ankle is] getting better. I wouldn't say it's 100%. I've just got to continue to treat it every single day. Every day it has felt better than the previous day. I've just got to continue to treat it and just get better."
Smith, who was a second-round pick in this year's draft, has been competing with Mark Sanchez to be the team's starter for the 2013 season.