Leonhard practices, expects to play for Jets Sunday
Photo credit: Getty Images | Jets safety/punt returner Jim Leonhard is questionable for Sunday's game at New England.
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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Just four days after having three screws surgically inserted into his broken right thumb, Jim Leonhard was back on the practice field for the Jets on Friday.
And that best exemplifies how the Jets are treating Sunday's game in New England as a must-win, the first of many if they are to save this once-promising season.
Think Leonhard would have been rushing back if they were one game up in the standings, or three games back? Hardly. But the Jets know their playoff hopes are nearly gone in Week 11. Another loss effectively will mean their season is over.
The Jets have listed Leonhard as questionable on the injury report, but as of Friday, there was little doubt inside the team's offices that Leonhard - their quarterback on defense - will be on the field Sunday. "I would not be shocked to see him out there," coach Rex Ryan said.
Leonhard added: "If it was up to me, I'd like to be out there . . . I want to play, obviously."
He broke his thumb last Sunday, had surgery Monday, showed up in a sling Wednesday and watched practice while riding an exercise bike Thursday. But before he left the practice facility Thursday, he was informed that his specially designed playing cast would be ready to test out Friday.
So he took part in practice, then stayed afterward to test it. Ryan didn't want to commit to using Leonhard until after he heard back from the player and the trainers, but a source said the coach anticipated his being out there Sunday.
Ryan's only reservation Friday was making sure the cast won't restrict Leonhard's ability to tackle, but Leonhard was pleased with how he felt in practice. "Just having that opportunity to play today gives me confidence I will be able to play Sunday," he said.
Leonhard, who played for Ryan with the Ravens last year, is integral to the defense in part because he's the one who wears the headset under his helmet, receiving the plays from the sideline.
Notes & quotes: Kerry Rhodes tried to jump over a laundry bin on his way out of the locker room, only to fall short and take an ugly fall. "I'm old, man," he said. He walked away from the awkward tumble fine from a physical standpoint, though he certainly took some ribbing from his teammates.
