Jets head into Monday night with injuries to key players
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| Jets TE Justin Keller is listed as probable against the Titans. He is of several key players nursing injuries.(US Presswire) |
The Jets are finalizing preparations for their Monday night game against the Titans and it looks like they will be without some key players.
Tight end Dustin Keller, wide receiver Stephen Hill and linebacker Bryan Thomas are all listed as doubtful. Keller has been suffering from a badly sprained ankle, while Hill has a knee injury. Thomas has a pectoral strain.
The absence of Keller and Hill are additional blows to a receiving corps that has been decimated by injuries this year. The team added wide receiver Braylon Edwards earlier in the week, but he has a hamstring injury. Edwards who played with the Jets in 2009 and 2010 and helped them to both of their AFC Championship appearances, is being listed as questionable, although coach Rex Ryan said on Saturday he is optimistic Edwards can play.
"I believe he will play," Ryan said of Edwards.
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He added that Edwards brings a strong familiarity with quarterback Mark Sanchez, and pointed out other elements of his game. "He definitely brings that mentality as a blocker and everything else that we certainly appreciated."
In addition to making sure he is healthy, Edwards has only had a few days to learn the playbook so if he plays, it is likely his participation will be limited.
If Thomas can't play, that would greatly impact the Jets' run defense as Thomas has always been a stalwart against perimeter runs, something the Jets have struggled with.
A positive is that wide receiver Clyde Gates has been upgraded to questionable after being sidelined with a concussion for the last two weeks. Backup quarterback Tim Tebow (ribs) is listed as probable.
The Jets go into Monday night's game at 6-7 (the Titans are 4-9). They must win to stay in the playoff hunt. If they lose, they will be eliminated from contention.
Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.
