Mangold rests, but OK after accidental hit from Pouha
CORTLAND, N.Y. - Nick Mangold is perfectly fine. He's just being cautious.
"No reason to knock myself more silly," the Pro Bowl center said Thursday. "So I've got to be safe with it."
Mangold sat out of both practices, resting a day after an accidental hit in the temple by defensive tackle Sione Pouha early in Wednesday's practice. Mangold said he didn't feel any ill effects. The Jets just felt there was no need to rush him back.
Mangold should return to practice soon, possibly as early as Friday. He said he'll definitely play in Monday's preseason opener against the Giants.
"It's difficult," Mangold said of his time on the sideline. "You hate seeing people out there running around, playing a game, and you are not out there with them. It is difficult, but you've got to take care of yourself and you don't mess with the head."
Training wheels offDon't expect Rex Ryan, Brian Schottenheimer and the Jets' staff to baby Mark Sanchez this season. The second-year quarterback won't be managed like he was last season, when Ryan wanted more control in the offense and implemented the color-coded system.
"I think he's got a great understanding of what we want," Ryan said. "He's got a great grasp of our system. Matt Cavanaugh was on the field at the end of the season. I thought he did a great job down there. It allowed Schotty to be the offensive coordinator and not basically go over things with Mark all the time.
"Now, the fact that we have [backup quarterback Mark] Brunell, who will also be a mentor, I think that's great."
Extra points
WR Braylon Edwards blocked a Nick Folk field-goal attempt, but Ryan wasn't about to offer up any future secrets. "He's just out there," Ryan said. "We're experimenting." RB LaDainian Tomlinson got his left leg briefly looked at during the afternoon practice, but quickly returned.
