Jets confident Jeremy Kerley can handle new role
New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) is congratulated by teammate Jeremy Kerley (11) after his touchdown against the New England Patriots. (Oct. 9, 2011) Credit: AP
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The question was simple. After a few seconds, so was Jeremy Kerley's answer.
"He was just like, 'Are you ready to be the man in the third spot?' " the rookie receiver said of his conversation with Mike Tannenbaum Tuesday night.
The Jets' general manager needed to know that Kerley was up for the challenge and could be relied upon. And Wednesday, Kerley relayed to reporters the same message he had given Tannenbaum. "I'm definitely ready," he said without hesitation.
Kerley said the news of Derrick Mason's trade to Houston for a conditional seventh-round pick -- he learned about it on Twitter -- came as a shock, given his close relationship with the 15-year veteran.
"You can't believe everything on Twitter," said Kerley, who had the best day of his career last Sunday against New England, with three catches and his first touchdown. "But Tannenbaum gave me a call about 10, 10:30 that night and that confirmed it . . . Derrick Mason was a good player, he'll be a great player in Houston."
Despite his promotion to third receiver, Kerley returned punts in practice and expects to do so in games. And his teammates are excited to see him blossom in a bigger role.
"He is definitely a big speed guy," said tight end Dustin Keller. "I think everybody is going to be surprised by how productive he is going to be."
Mason's departure inevitably raised questions about the team's lack of depth at receiver, but the Jets say they're confident giving the rookie so much responsibility.
"You always got to be ready, especially at this level," Darrelle Revis said. "He had an outstanding training camp, he knows the offense, he knows what to do. So when his number got called the other night, he stepped up and made plays. We have a lot of confidence in him."
Perhaps more impressive is how much confidence Kerley has in himself.
Though Mason no longer will be a presence in the locker room, his words will continue to make an impression. "There is going to be ups and downs, goods and bads, but just remember what you're playing for," Kerley said. "That's the best advice he gave me."
Notes & quotes: C Nick Mangold (ankle) and DE Ropati Pitoitua (knee) were on the practice field but did not participate in drills. Rex Ryan expects Mangold to play on Monday night. S Donald Strickland (head) and DB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring) did not practice as well . . . The Jets added DT Martin Tevaseu to the 53-man roster and signed S Tracy Wilson and WR Michael Campbell to the practice squad.
