Nick Mangold Expected To Play Sunday; Jets' Plax Back At Practice
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Nick Mangold expects to return to his spot in the middle of the Jets' offensive line this weekend.
That's great news for Jets fans -- and not so good for the Patriots.
Mangold was limited at practice again on Thursday, but the All-Pro center said he missed only "a handful" of snaps. He and coach Rex Ryan think he'll play Sunday at New England.
"He's got a great grasp of our system," Ryan said of Mangold, who has missed the Jets' last two games with a high right ankle sprain. "There's a great comfort level with everybody that plays. You know where he's going to be. That's a huge plus for us."
Rookie Colin Baxter had started in Mangold's place, and was briefly pulled from the last game after a few miscommunications with quarterback Mark Sanchez.
"(Mangold) took a lot more reps today I think than anyone expected him to," said guard Matt Slauson. "So that's exciting."
Meanwhile, Plaxico Burress was a full participant, a day after sitting out with a swollen left elbow. The wide receiver was injured during the Jets' 34-17 loss at Baltimore last Sunday, and woke up around 3 a.m. Wednesday because of the sudden swelling.
Linebacker Calvin Pace (abdomen) was also limited, but is expected to play, and rookie defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder) fully practiced a day after being limited. Linebacker Garrett McIntyre (concussion) did not practice, and his status for the game at New England is questionable.
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