Milliner Won't Start But Will Play For Jets Against Packers
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Dee Milliner is ready for his season debut.
The New York Jets cornerback is expected to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers after recovering from a high ankle sprain that kept him out of last weekend's opener.
Milliner, the team's top cornerback, was listed as probable on the Jets' injury report Friday after being limited in practice three straight days.
"I think he'll play," coach Rex Ryan said, "but we'll see how much."
Antonio Allen and Darrin Walls are expected to start at Green Bay, but Milliner could play a significant role in the secondary.
"It helps us a whole lot," safety Calvin Pryor said. "It makes us more dimensional, causes us to do a lot of great things and put more DBs out on the field who can cover. We're definitely going to need it this week because the Packers like to pass the ball a lot."
Milliner injured his left ankle on Aug. 10 during training camp, and returned to practice for the first time since on Wednesday. He struggled throughout his rookie season last year, but finished with a solid final month.
"Oh, I expect great things from him, there's no question," Ryan said. "I think the young man has a ton of ability."
The news came on the heels of the Jets signing free-agent corner Ellis Lankster and releasing Leon McFadden, who was claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago.
Lankster played in 47 games for the Jets in parts of four seasons from 2009-13. New York will need all the help it can get with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers set to take aim at the secondary.
"He's the type of guy when if you make a mistake, he's going to find it," linebacker Calvin Pace said of Rodgers. "The fact that he can extend a play makes it tougher for the guys on the back end. You can't cover forever. They have a good receiving corps. It's going to be a full effort. Everybody's going to have to do their job, up front and on the back end."
McFadden, a third-round draft pick by the Browns last year, was claimed by the Jets on Aug. 31. He was inactive for New York's season opener last Sunday against Oakland.
Safety Josh Bush (quadriceps) was listed as questionable, while linebacker A.J. Edds (hamstring) will sit out.
Right guard Willie Colon (calf) and rookie linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali (foot) were listed as probable — although Ryan said Enemkpali would likely not be active against the Packers.
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