Here is a recap of today’s Jets training camp (8/1). ESPN is carrying vast portions of the practice, so unless otherwise noted, observations are from their coverage.
Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow had a bit of a down day but Coach Rex Ryan said in his post practice press conference that only 4 of the 12 wide receivers were not dealing with some sort of injury. Coach Ryan mentioned the number of “soft tissue injuries” as a concern and that the players “need to be in world class shape”. He went on to say, “We will look at everything,” to try and fix the injury problem.
The defense was better than the offense today getting a few interceptions as Sanchez and Tebow struggled.
Jets personal punt protector/backup quarterback Tim Tebow worked on fake punts completing a pass to tight end Jeff Cumberland during practice.
WR Chaz Schilens (groin) is on the side doing rehabilitation work along with RB John Griffin, WR Eron Riley, CB Ryan Steed and WR DaMarcus Ganaway.
WR Jeremy Kerley is working with the injured players rehabilitating a hamstring issue. Once considered a lock at the third (slot) wide receiver position Kerley has been getting some harsh criticism from the Jets organization for being behind in learning Tony Sparano’s new offense.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie proclaimed himself the Jets “second” receiver during an ESPN interview. The team is planning on using him at wide receiver in special “Cro” packages this season. Some current Jets receivers did not appreciate Cromartie’s comments felling he was taking a shot at the Jets WR core.
“I’m aware of what was said (by Cromartie) okay, I’m on top of it, I’m telling you that right now … and it will not be a problem,” Coach Ryan said. He went on to say, “We’re not going to play it out to the media … we’ll handle it”.
Round seven pick wide receiver Jordan White is practicing today but is not wearing pads.
White began training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list but was removed on Monday. He can’t begin to practice fully until Friday.
With Kerley’s position on the depth chart in jeopardy rookie White will have a chance to showcase his talents as he led Division 1-A college football in receptions and yards last season at Western Michigan. White is also an experienced punt returner and has shown interest in playing special teams.
Rookie linebacker Demario Davis was removed from the PUP list on Monday so he can practice but not with pads till Friday. Davis was working with the defense doing drills and special teams on the kickoff return unit.
Linebacker Marcus Dowtin did not dressed for practice today, RB Joe McKnight sat out as well with an illness, FB Fui Vakapuna (hamstring) and DT Brett Roy (concussion) are not at practicing either. Cornerback Donnie Fletcher was back at practice after being in the rehab group on Monday but was he not in pads.
With the Jeff Otah trade being nullified, since he could not pass a physical, the offensive line battles have gotten more intense as those on the roster bubble will try to show they belong. OT/OG Vladimir Ducasse and OT Austin Howard saw sometime with the first team offense. Ducasse suffered a knee injury, which cut his practice short, while it appears not to be too serious official diagnosis has not been determined.
The competition at running back has heated up with Bilal Powell having a nice camp earning extended reps and Terrance Ganaway seeing time at both fullback and halfback.
With the third down running back situation not set it will be interesting to see if front runner Joe McKnight or Powell emerge at that position:
The Jets still haven’t decided between Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell for the third-down back job.
“That job’s open right now,” (Anthony)Lynn (Jets RB Coach) said. “Bilal has done more (blocking in the past). I’m not saying that he’s better than Joe. That’s why we have camp. When we leave Cortland, we’ll know. But those two are competing for that job. Shonn Green can always go in and do it. Shonn did it some last season, because he had to. But we would rather rest him on that down.”
Source: Manish Mehta/NY Daily News
Workhorse defensive tackle Sione Pouha suffered a cut on his forehead which limited his practice time. Second year DT Kenrick Ellis filled in for the injured Pouha.
Defensive back round seven pick Antonio Allen continues to have a nice training camp making it more likely he will gain a roster spot.
The kicking competition was in full force today as both Nick Folk and Josh Brown are in top form, with Brown missing the only field goal of the day, a 52 yarder.