Keller to miss third straight game; Hill also inactive
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 11: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets in action against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 11, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Chiefs 37-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac)Local Caption *** Dustin Keller Credit: Getty/Jim McIsaac
Mark Sanchez will be without his favorite target, yet again.
The Jets announced Sunday morning that Dustin Keller will be inactive against the 49ers due to his nagging hamstring.
The tight end – who hasn’t played since Week 1 against Buffalo – was limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable.
Tony Sparano expressed confidence in the remaining tight ends on the roster – Jeff Cumberland and Konrad Reuland. But the offensive coordinator couldn’t deny the impact Keller has on games.
“(It would be) big if we can get him back,” Sparano said Thursday. “Dustin’s obviously a weapon and he’s a guy that has been a real steady player here for Mark, as well. I think any time you can get more weapons out there on the field to help yourself, the better off you’ll be. If we can get him back out there, that’ll be great.”
The Jets (2-1) also will be without deep-field threat Stephen Hill, who also has been hobbled by a hamstring injury. It was obvious after the rookie wideout did not practice this week that he wouldn’t make it to the field on game day.
Chaz Schilens will start in Hill's place and Cumberland will start at tight end for Keller.
Also inactive for the Jets: QB Greg McElroy, RB Jonathan Grimes, CB Darrelle Revis, DL Damon Harrison and G Caleb Schlauderaff.
Former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will be inactive for the 49ers, along with QB Scott Tolzien, WR A.J. Jenkins, RB LaMichael James, S Trenton Robinson, G Joe Looney and NT Isaac Sopoaga.
