| New York Jets TE Dustin Keller is tackled during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers. Keller, who has a hamstring injury, did not practice Wednesday. (US Presswire) |
It's only Week 3, but the Jets already have a significant number of injured starters. The fact that Sunday's game is against division rival Dolphins, everything becomes magnified.
On Wednesday, starters TE Dustin Keller (hamstring), LB Bryan Thomas (hamstring), S Eric Smith (hip/knee) and FB John Conner (knee) were held out of practice as a result of their various injuries, while CB Darrelle Revis (concussion) and NT Sione Po'uha (low back) were limited.
Although Smith played against the Steelers on Sunday, he's still not fully recovered from the injuries he suffered in the first preseason game against the Bengals. The fact that he's not 100% changes the plan for the safetys, which was to have a three-man rotation among Smith, LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell. Adding to this is the fact that Landry is still being held back during practice to avoid a setback with the heel injury he suffered in 2011, so his physical status is always a concern as well.
As for Keller, his absence is certainly making an impact on the offense. "He's one of the premier receiving tight ends in the game, and I think he has improved as a blocker," coach Rex Ryan said. "Any time you take a really good football player away from you, it hurts." QB Mark Sanchez also acknowledged that he's eager to get Keller back because of the options he gives them.
Keller would say only that he's feeling better than he felt last week.
Po'uha told reporters that he had a solid day of practice and feels that he has improved a lot since first being sidelined during training camp.
Revis' situation is more serious. After getting accidentally kicked in the head by LB Bart Scott during the Bills game, Revis has yet to be cleared for physical contact and was limited in his participation Wednesday. Coach Rex Ryan continues to say that the team will follow NFL protocol with head injuries, but it is unclear if they will get their star player for Sunday's game.
Although Dolphins RB Reggie Bush has been a workhorse, rushing for 172 yards in Week 2, rookie QB Ryan Tannehill is holding his own in the passing game (against the Raiders: 18-30 for 200 yards and one TD), so the Jets secondary will have to be on point.
As for the Jets, they continue to closely monitor each player and hope to get at least a few back on the field as they try to get to 2-1.
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