Bilal Powell returns to Jets practice
New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) and defensive tackle Joe Vellano (72) tackle Bilal Powell (29) during the second quarter. (Sept. 12, 2013) Credit: AP
The best indication about the Jets’ readiness for Buffalo is that no one was confined to a stationary bike during the portion of Thursday’s practice the media was allowed to watch. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes jumped on a bike as the media was leaving, but that’s part of his regular maintenance routine.
Running back Bilal Powell, who missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness, was back at full go. Equally encouraging for the Jets were the sight of defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) and wide receiver/punt returner Jeremy Kerley (concussion) not holding back during drills.
Defensive lineman Quinton Coples (ankle) also took part in positional drills without any obvious problems. His playing status likely will be updated later. But the advantage of playing a Thursday game, as the Jets did a week ago at New England, is that it leaves a 10-day recovery period. Judging by the level of practice participation, the Jets have benefited from the extra time.
