Jets place special-teams standout LB Izzo on IR

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets placed linebacker and special-teams ace Larry Izzo on injured reserve Thursday with a herniated disk in his neck.

Coach Rex Ryan said Izzo thought he was getting stingers, but it turned out to be more severe. Ryan said Izzo saw a spine specialist and had several tests done to determine the nature of the injury.

It was unclear when the injury initially occurred, but Izzo had played in every game this season.

"He would get his strength up enough to where he thought he could play," Ryan said. "I don't know exactly when, and I'm not sure he knows."

Special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff said the pain would shoot from Izzo's neck down his right arm, and was hindering his play. Ryan said Izzo would likely need surgery if he plans to keep playing, and indicated his career could be over.

"It was tough to see," defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said. "He kept saying, 'This isn't the way I wanted it to end.' You could just tell that with his warrior mentality, he wanted to go out fighting."

Izzo, who signed a one-year deal with the Jets in the offseason, was tied with Eric Smith for the team lead with 18 special-teams tackles. He has 275 special-teams tackles in 200 games with New York, New England and Miami in 14 NFL seasons, and made the Pro Bowl three times.

The Jets have also signed linebacker Josh Mauga and center Michael Parenton to the practice squad. Both spent time with the Jets during training camp before being among the team's final cuts.

New York lost defensive tackle Antonio Garay earlier Thursday when San Diego signed him off the Jets' practice squad.