New York Jets Gear Up for Preseason Despite Injuries
The New York Jets are gearing up for their first preseason game on Monday, however the team is still working through issues with injuries and a late start to its season.
Plaxico Burress, former New York Giants wide receiver who was acquired by the Jets during the first day of training camp, injured his left ankle at a workout last week. The wide receiver who was recently released from jail missed two practices last week but looked to be improving after sneaking into a team drill on Sunday.
Although he was only able to get one rep in during the drill, by Monday he had increased to three. On Tuesday, Burress did not participate in team drills and was not fully cleared to practice.
Jets’ coach Rex Ryan explained why the team’s $3 million investment was not cleared fully.
"We're just trying to avoid that big setback, but he's doing more and more," Ryan said.
Antonio Cromartie, a cornerback for the Jets, said Burress is a sight to be seen on the football field when healthy.
"When you see him, to me, I've never seen a guy his size move as quick as he does," Cromartie said, according to ESPN. "He's definitely quick. I'm just anxious for him to go out and show everybody that he can still play at this level."
Aside from Burress, other injured players are plaguing the Jets. Running back Joe McKnight was forced to miss practice due to an ankle injury while defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson was forced to sit out of practice due to a hip injury, according to ESPN.
Although some of his teammates are injured, Jets cornerback, Darrelle Revis, has been enthusiastic about being able to do his part on the field.
“Right now, I’m happy and excited to be here at camp to work on conditioning and just being around the guys, just getting reps," Revis said according to the Boston Herald."That’s the big thing, getting reps in practice."
The Jets first preseason game will take place on Monday when they travel to play the Houston Texans.