Jets add Cribbs after KRs go on IR

The Jets signed Josh Cribbs to shore up their injury-riddled return game, according to multiple reports yesterday.

Cribbs, 30, has not played during the 2013 regular season after being released by the Raiders during the preseason, in part due to a knee injury.

One of the best return men in league history, Cribbs' eight kickoff returns for touchdowns are tied with former Jet Leon Washington for the most all-time. They all came while he was with the Browns from 2005-12.

Cribbs has also returned three punts for scores. However, he did not return a kickoff or punt for a touchdown last season when he made his third Pro Bowl.

A return to form for Cribbs, 30, would be a boon to the Jets special teams. The team ranks 27th in the league in yards per kick return (20.3). Cribbs has a career average of 25.9 yards.

The Jets placed their top return men Clyde Gates and Mike Goodson on injured reserve yesterday. Each suffered season-ending injuries in the team's 19-6 loss to the Steelers last Sunday.

As a member of the Browns, Cribbs was used as a sort of utility offensive player at times. In his eight-year career, he has 128 carries for 753 yards (5.9 ypc) and two touchdowns, plus 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and seven touchdowns. He has also attempted 12 passes. It's possible the Jets will look to use him in a similar fashion, much as Gang Green did when Brad Smith played for the team from 2006-10.