Injured Sheppard expects to return Sunday
Photo credit: David Pokress | Lito Sheppard breaks up a pass to Joey Galloway during Week 2. (September 20, 2009)
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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Lito Sheppard's first - and possibly last - season as a Jet has been marred by a nagging quadriceps injury that has kept the cornerback sidelined for five games.
But Sheppard, who has missed the last two games after aggravating the injury Oct. 18 in a 16-13 overtime loss to the Bills, said Monday that he'll be on the field when the Jets host the Jaguars at the Meadowlands on Sunday.
"I'm back," he said. "I'm back this week."
Part of the conditions of the trade bringing Sheppard here from Philadelphia were contingent on his 2009 playing time. If he saw action in 85 percent of the plays, the 2010 conditional pick the Jets sent to the Eagles could be as high as a second-rounder. But it also could be as low as a fourth-round selection, and it appears as if it will be closer to the latter with Sheppard's injury forcing him to miss most of the last six games.
Being sidelined for so long has Sheppard, who also is due a $10-million roster bonus in March, eager to suit up again this weekend.
"There definitely were some plays out there that I thought I could have helped the team out a little more," he said. "But you can't bring those back. I'm just trying to get back out there as fast as possible and do what I can to help bring this defense together."
Brad Smith hopeful
Brad Smith (quadriceps) hasn't played since getting injured in the Jets' 31-27 loss in Miami on Oct. 12. The wide receiver stayed in town during the bye week and received extra treatment, which has him feeling good about his chances for playing on Sunday.
"I really am optimistic about this week," Smith said. "I went out and ran on it today, and it felt the best it's felt in four weeks. So I'm excited."
