Eric Decker, David Nelson could miss Jets' game against Chargers
New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) misses a pass during the first half of the Detroit Lions at New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday Sept. 28, 2014. Credit: Lee S. Weissman
There's a chance Jets quarterback Geno Smith will be without two of his receivers Sunday in San Diego.
Eric Decker was taken out of practice Thursday because of tightness in his right hamstring and David Nelson sat out practice for a second straight day because of an ankle sprain. Those injuries could affect the play of Smith, whose team has lost three straight.
"I do worry about it a little bit because I think there's a lot to it," Rex Ryan said of the possibility that Smith will have to play with wideouts he hasn't practiced with during the week.
The Jets signed receivers T.J. Graham and Chris Owusu on Monday, and Ryan said the injuries to Decker and Nelson allowed younger players to get more reps. But the success of the Jets' offense could be greatly affected by the absence of Decker and/or Nelson.
Decker said his hamstring was sore when he woke up Thursday morning. He tried to participate in individual drills but couldn't get his leg to loosen up. He was limited to 12 snaps in Week 3 against the Bears and played 55 of 68 snaps in last Sunday's loss to the Lions.
When pressed about the benefits of resting his top receiver for several days, Ryan said every team wants its best players on the field, even if they're limited.
"We're being smart with him," Ryan said, acknowledging that "you always have that concern" about hamstring injuries lingering. "If he feels tight, then we're not going to push him on the practice field. I'm hopeful he'll play Sunday."
Decker didn't seem too sure about facing the Chargers.
"I can't answer that question, to be honest with you," he said. "Some days I feel great. Some days are a little tougher. It's just gauging and pushing to the point where it's enough but it's not too much."
Ryan said he "wouldn't think" Nelson would play against the Chargers, but the receiver sounded pretty optimistic. Nelson, whose left ankle was taped, said he'll test the injury during Friday's practice and also guaranteed he'll be on the team's charter flight to San Diego.
Jet streams
Dee Milliner (quadriceps) and Calvin Pryor (quadriceps) practiced fully. Willie Colon (knee) and Nick Mangold (shoulder) were limited . . . The Chargers' Dwight Freeney (knee) did not practice.
