Jets place Willie Colon on season-ending injured reserve
New York Jets guard Willie Colon responds to questions during a news interview after practice at training camp, Thursday, July 30, 2015, in Florham Park, N.J. Credit: AP / Frank Franklin II
On the eve of their prime-time game against Rex Ryan and the Bills, the Jets announced a surprising roster move: They placed guard Willie Colon on injured reserve and activated third-year cornerback Dee Milliner from short-term IR.
Milliner's return couldn't have come at a better time for the Jets, who are dealing with numerous injuries at cornerback. Antonio Cromartie (deep thigh bruise) is doubtful to play Thursday night, and Buster Skrine (shoulder, hand) is severely banged up.
Milliner hasn't been able to stay healthy during his brief NFL career. The ninth overall pick in 2013 underwent wrist surgery in August (his seventh procedure) and has played in only 16 games, registering three interceptions and 21 passes defensed.
Colon, 32, a Bronx native and a Hofstra alumnus, has dealt with chronic knee pain during his three seasons with the Jets, but the team never indicated how serious this injury was. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery before training camp and sprained an MCL in the Week 3 loss to the Eagles. He missed the next game against the Dolphins and also sat out last week's game against the Jaguars.
On Monday, Todd Bowles said he was "pessimistic'' about Colon's chances to play against the Bills. Now his season is over, and quite possibly his career. A Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, Colon will be replaced by Brian Winters.
Quigley wins award.Ryan Quigley was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the first time after he served as the Jets' emergency kicker last week. He's the first player to punt at least nine times and convert four PATs in the same game since 1966 (Danny Villanueva, Cowboys).
