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Jets Release Steve Weatherford Just 4 Days After Signing Him In A Pinch

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Well that didn't last long. 

The show's over for Steve Weatherford and the New York Jets.

The veteran punter was released Wednesday, just four days after he was signed in a pinch while he was in the middle of co-hosting a radio show.

Weatherford punted for the Jets on Sunday at New England as an emergency replacement for Ryan Quigley, who had an infection in his right shin and was unavailable. Weatherford, who played for the Jets from 2009-10, averaged just 40.3 yards, with a net of 30.8, on four punts in the 30-23 loss to the Patriots.

He acknowledged after the game that "it just wasn't there," having not punted in a game since being cut by the Giants last month. Given the timing, the New Jersey resident was the team's most convenient option, and Weatherford anticipated he would be reunited with the Jets for likely just one game.

Coach Todd Bowles said Monday the Jets would get an update Wednesday on Quigley, who was taking antibiotics, and make a decision on the punting situation. Quigley apparently healed enough for the team to part ways with Weatherford.

Weatherford was in a commercial break Saturday on 98.7 ESPN New York when the team called his cellphone and offered him a job. He accepted the gig, but had to rush off the phone as the show went back live on-air.

After finishing the broadcast, Weatherford rushed from the studio in Manhattan and met the team at its training facility before the Jets left for New England.

"Obviously, he is going to be a little rusty because he probably hadn't punted in a while," Bowles said Monday. "I know working out is one thing, but going out there every day and just practicing your craft is another. But under the circumstances I thought he did OK."

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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