Jets' Harris Questionable For Opener, Jenkins Doubtful
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — David Harris has been on the field for every Jets game since 2008. The veteran linebacker's playing streak is in jeopardy this weekend.
Harris is questionable for the season opener Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a shoulder injury.
"We still need to see, from a strength standpoint, where he is," coach Todd Bowles said Friday. "We'll be determining that (Saturday) and right up until Sunday morning. He's going to have to work out and do some things to see if he can play."
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Harris, entering his 10th year with the Jets, has started 116 straight regular-season games. The last time he missed a start was midway through the 2008 season, when he sat out five games with a groin injury.
"I hope I'm out there Sunday," Harris said, "but that's up to coach Bowles."
The linebacker said he initially feared he had broken his collarbone when the injury first occurred. He said now it's just "sore and tight," and acknowledged the injury is "up there" in terms of the worst his body has felt on a Friday before a game.
Bruce Carter is listed as Harris' backup, but he's also questionable with an injured shoulder. New York might use first-round pick Darron Lee and backup Julian Stanford at inside linebacker opposite Erin Henderson if Harris or Carter can't go.
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Rookie Jordan Jenkins, a projected starter at outside linebacker, is doubtful with an injured calf. He said he's feeling better, but likely will be replaced by Mike Catapano.
"It'll hurt, I'm not going to lie," Jenkins said of possibly missing his first NFL game. "But the thing I like about the pros is there are 15 other games, and then some. So, that's something to look forward to."
Jenkins, a third-round draft pick, was hurt during a training camp practice a few weeks ago when he took an awkward step.
"And then I just felt something bad," he said. "I thought the worst, but I was just happy it wasn't as bad as I initially thought."
Catapano is in line to make his first NFL start, something made extra special by the fact the Bayville, New York, native will be playing at home on the 15th anniversary of 9/11.
He played in 15 games with the Chiefs as a rookie in 2013, and three more with the Jets last season before suffering a season-ending foot injury in December. Catapano recovered in time during the winter to make a switch from defensive end to outside linebacker this season.
"There's a bunch of different things that I might have to come out and do," Catapano said. "It's just becoming more of a Swiss Army knife for this team and being as versatile as possible."
Third-string quarterback Bryce Petty (shoulder) and cornerback Darryl Roberts (foot) are out for the opener.
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