Jets Re-Sign Richardson, Sign 3 To Practice Squad

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Tony Richardson is back paving the way for the New York Jets' running game.

The veteran fullback was re-signed Tuesday, two days after he was cut. Richardson practiced and will play in the season opener against Baltimore on Monday night at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

"I actually called down to Miami and I talked to D-Wade and LeBron to see if they needed help down there," Richardson quipped. "I think they were set, so I thought this was my best opportunity to win a championship."

The Jets also made several other moves Tuesday, including releasing wide receiver Patrick Turner, who was claimed off waivers from Miami on Sunday. The move leaves New York with three true wide receivers on the roster in Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith, along with running back Danny Woodhead, who has been used as a slot receiver in the past.

Santonio Holmes is suspended for the first four games of the season after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Former CFL star Larry Taylor is the only other wide receiver the Jets have, but he's on their practice squad.

The Jets also filled out their eight-player practice squad, signing running back Chauncey Washington, a preseason standout; defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert, a former Bears third-round pick; and linebacker Cody Brown, a second-round pick of the Cardinals a year ago.

To make room on the squad, New York released linebacker Ricky Foley and defensive back Donovan Warren.

Richardson said his release caught him off guard when the team told him Sunday, but had to let the move "play out."

The Jets needed depth at the cornerback position, not knowing when Darrelle Revis would end his contract holdout, so they kept undrafted free agent Brian Jackson over Richardson. Once Revis agreed to a four-year deal late Sunday night, the Jets decided to bring Richardson back and release Jackson.

The 38-year-old Richardson, who was released for the first time since Dallas cut him in 1994, was evasive when asked if any other team reached out to him during his one day of unemployment.

"It really wasn't upsetting," Richardson said. "It's the nature of the NFL, and NFL stands for 'Not For Long,' so you try not to let it get to you."

© 2010 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.