Mangold back at practice, expects to start Saturday
Jets center Nick Mangold stretches during mini camp at the team's practice facility. (June 15, 2010) Credit: Joe Epstein
CORTLAND, N.Y. - "Normal" is a relative term, but after shaking off the effects of a headache that prevented him from playing in Monday's preseason opener against the Giants, Jets center Nick Mangold returned to practice Wednesday and said he expects to start Saturday's game at Carolina.
"I felt normal again," Mangold said. "At least, Mangold normal.
The All-Pro center sat out two practices last week after being clubbed in the temple by defensive lineman Sione Pouha, and when he experienced a headache the morning of the Giants game, it was cause for concern. "I just didn't feel right," Mangold said. "In five years of being in the NFL, I've had my share of bumps, bruises and everything between. This time, it just didn't feel right."
The best description Mangold could provide was "foggy," but no one on the Jets' medical staff is calling it a concussion and Mangold hasn't had the symptoms, such as nausea. But, he said, "head injuries are a hot-button issue. I was fortunate we took it seriously and had the chance to sit down for it."
Trial and error at guard
Rookie LG Vladimir Ducasse came off the practice field looking tired and frustrated after committing two false starts that resulted in penalty laps and struggling at times with his assignments. Ducasse is a second-round pick out of the University of Massachusetts who is battling second-year player Matt Slauson to replace nine-time Pro Bowler Alan Faneca in the starting lineup of the NFL's leading rushing attack.
Speaking of his baptism in the 31-16 preseason loss to the Giants, Ducasse said, "It was all right. I could have done better. I'm working on technique."
Asked about his false starts, Ducasse attributed it to poor communication on his part. "I need to learn from my mistakes and get better next week."
Mangold said Ducasse and Slauson both struggled Wednesday in practice. Admitting the comfort level the line had with Faneca is missing, Mangold said, "A little bit. It's something we have to work on . . . We're only as good as our weakest link. We're trying to bring everybody up."
Extra points
CB Antonio Cromartie, who dropped two potential interceptions against the Giants, worked after practice catching passes from the JUGS machine . . . Slauson fought DL Matt Kroul . . . P Steve Weatherford practiced as the emergency field-goal kicker.
