Injuries Continue To Haunt The New York Jets Passing Attack
By Tyson Rauch
The New York Jets wide receiver group could be without two integral playmakers on Sunday as both Jeremy Kerley and Santonio Holmes are listed as game-time decisions. Kerley has been trying to recover from a serious elbow injury while Holmes is dealing with hamstring and foot issues.
The replacements
If both of these veterans are unable to play, the Jets wide receiver unit will consist of Stephen Hill, David Nelson, Greg Salas, and Josh Cribbs on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Each of these pass catchers have shown some flashes this season, but have lacked the consistent big play ability that the offense desperately needs. At some point, one of these guys has to emerge as a leader and safety valve for rookie quarterback Geno Smith. The current state of inconsistent route running and dropped passes has really started to stunt the development and confidence of Smith.
Break out the running game
Look for the New York Jets offense to feature the ground and pound approach against the Miami Dolphins 26th ranked run defense. Also the Jets may try to feature their tight ends Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Winslow in order to offset the lack of playmaking ability at the wide receiver position.
Cromartie questionable
Defensive back Antonio Cromartie has been listed as a game time decision due to a hip injury. This could be a huge blow to the Jets secondary as Cromartie is the unit's best corner and often shadows the opposing team's best wide receiver. If Antonio is unable to play, either Kyle Wilson or Darrin Walls will take his place. The Jets may then go to more zone coverages to give Wilson and Walls help especially against Mike Wallace, one of the fastest wide receivers in the NFL.
Questionable
- S Antonio Allen (sickness)
- WR Santonio Holmes (hamstring)
- WR Jeremy Kerley (elbow)
- CB Antonio Cromartie (hip)
- LB Garrett McIntyre (knee)
Probable
- G Willie Colon (calf)
- DT Kenrick Ellis (back)
- WR Stephen Hill (knee)
- RB Chris Ivory (ankle)
- C Nick Mangold (wrist)
- WR Greg Salas (finger)
- TE Kellen Winslow (knee)
- DE Muhammad Wilkerson (wrist)
For more Jets news and updates, visit Jets Central.
Tyson Rauch is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
