Jets' Passing Game Sunday May Hinge On Game-Time Injury Decisions
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Jets could be down two of their top receivers when they take on the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
Eric Decker and David Nelson will be game-time decisions after being listed as questionable Friday because of injuries that limited them this week. Both players were flying with the team to San Diego on Friday afternoon.
Decker has not practiced all week because of an ailing right hamstring that has hampered him since New York's game at Green Bay in Week 2. Decker was listed as questionable, but said the hamstring feels better than it did Thursday.
"The muscle itself is healthier, 100 percent, than it was," Decker said. "Now, it's just a matter of working everything around it and strengthening it back up."
Coach Rex Ryan said it's always a concern when it comes to hamstrings that it could be a lingering issue.
"But he's a pro and he knows his body," Ryan said. "I think he works hard to get out there on the field, but yeah, sometimes it's, 'Do you play him? Do you sit him? Do you do whatever?' If you know what really helps a guy moving forward maybe you decide to sit a guy, but he's a guy that answers the bell."
Nelson sprained his left ankle against Detroit last Sunday. He was also questionable after being limited at practice, something that surprised Ryan since it appeared earlier in the week that Nelson's sprain was severe. Nelson didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday.
"His ankle was unbelievable," Ryan said. "Some guys are unbelievable healers now. We'll see how he does, but I was shocked that he was able to go, even on a limited basis."
Nelson's main concern was monitoring his ankle on the flight and trying to prevent any additional swelling.
"After a first day of practicing on it all week, that'll add some swelling to it," Nelson said. "Also, a five-hour flight. So, we're trying to find some remedies to do while we're on the plane to keep that at bay as best we can."
If one or both are unable to play, embattled quarterback Geno Smith will be under a lot of pressure to make something out of a very thing receiving corps. Newly signed wide receivers T.J. Graham and Chris Owusu could see their first action with the Jets. They only other healthy receivers are Jeremy Kerley, Greg Salas, Saalim Hakim and Walt Powell.
Smith, who was reportedly fined $12,000 on Friday for his tirade against a fan following last Sunday's home loss to Detroit, has been under fire due to the Jets' 1-3 start, but received a vote of confidence from owner Woody Johnson on Thursday.
Cornerback Dee Milliner (quadriceps) fully practiced and will play for the first time since Week 2. Ryan was uncertain whether Milliner would start, leaving open the possibility that both Antonio Allen and Darrin Walls could get the call with Milliner coming in as a reserve.
"We haven't decided that yet," Ryan said. "Like I said, he will play, for sure. He is going to play."
Right guard Willie Colon (knee) was a full participant at practice, as were right tackle Breno Giacomini (lower back), center Nick Mangold (shoulder), running back Chris Johnson (ankle), safety Calvin Pryor (quadriceps) and nose tackle Damon Harrison (ankle). All will play against the Chargers.
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